Knowing Jesus and His Word – Outline

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Knowing Jesus and His Word

- OVERVIEW

This week’s study focuses on how we can know Jesus through His Word. John’s Gospel, especially its final chapter, emphasizes the importance of moving beyond just reading the Scriptures to actually knowing Jesus, obeying His Word, and living according to His truth. Through the stories of the disciples, we learn how to grow closer to Jesus, humbly accept His guidance, and live in faith.

- SATURDAY – Introduction

- Memory Text

John 5:39

KJV 39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

CEV 39 You search the Scriptures, because you think you will find eternal life in them. The Scriptures tell about me,

Y S T S F I T Y T Y H E L A T A T W T O M

- Lesson

John’s Gospel reminds us that knowing Jesus goes beyond just reading the Bible. The disciples, who spent years with Him, didn’t fully understand His mission until later. We can be the same—hearing or reading God’s Word but not fully accepting it or letting it change us. The Bible is more than information; it should guide how we live and think.

We need to go beyond just knowing facts about Jesus. We need to know Him personally and follow His Word, allowing it to change us from the inside out. This week, we’ll explore how knowing Jesus more deeply helps us abide in Him.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White emphasizes that the scriptures were given to point to Jesus. Every part of the Old Testament, from the sacrifices to the prophets, directs us to the coming Savior. But many, like the Pharisees, had the scriptures but missed knowing Jesus personally because they did not allow His Word to live in their hearts.

- Conclusion

Jesus wants us to search the scriptures not just for knowledge but to know Him personally. His Word guides us to eternal life and transforms us.

- Reflection

How can we move from just reading the Bible to truly knowing Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is it important to accept Jesus' Word into our hearts, not just our minds?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- SUNDAY – Meeting in Galilee

- Lesson

Read John 21:1-19

KJV 1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. 2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. 3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. 6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. 8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. 9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. 11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. 12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. 14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. 15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

CEV 1 Jesus later appeared to his disciples along the shore of Lake Tiberias. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas the Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, and the brothers James and John, were there, together with two other disciples. 3 Simon Peter said, “I'm going fishing!”The others said, “We will go with you.” They went out in their boat. But they didn't catch a thing that night. 4 Early the next morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize who he was. 5 Jesus shouted, “Friends, have you caught anything?” “No!” they answered. 6 So he told them, “Let your net down on the right side of your boat, and you will catch some fish.” They did, and the net was so full of fish that they could not drag it up into the boat. 7 Jesus' favorite disciple told Peter, “It's the Lord!” When Simon heard it was the Lord, he put on the clothes he had taken off while he was working. Then he jumped into the water. 8 The boat was only about 100 meters from shore. So the other disciples stayed in the boat and dragged in the net full of fish. 9 When the disciples got out of the boat, they saw some bread and a charcoal fire with fish on it. 10 Jesus told his disciples, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” 11 Simon Peter got back into the boat and dragged the net to shore. In it were 153 large fish, but still the net did not rip. 12 Jesus said, “Come and eat!” But none of the disciples dared ask who he was. They knew he was the Lord. 13 Jesus took the bread in his hands and gave some of it to his disciples. He did the same with the fish. 14 This was the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from death. 15 When Jesus and his disciples had finished eating, he asked, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than the others do?”Simon Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, you know I do!” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus said. 16 Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you!” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus told him. 17 Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”Peter was hurt because Jesus had asked him three times if he loved him. So he told Jesus, “Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.” Jesus replied, “Feed my sheep. 18 I tell you for certain that when you were a young man, you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will hold out your hands. Then others will wrap your belt around you and lead you where you don't want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to tell how Peter would die and bring honor to God. Then he said to Peter, “Follow me!”

. After Jesus’ resurrection, He meets the disciples by the sea and performs a miracle similar to when they first met. Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him, and Peter humbly answers. Jesus restores Peter to ministry, focusing on humility and love, not Peter’s previous failures.

This story reminds us of the importance of humility in our relationship with Jesus. Peter’s past failure is forgiven, and he is given a second chance to serve. Jesus calls us to follow Him with humility and love, focusing on His will and not our own.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Peter’s humility after his denial of Jesus made him ready for ministry. Jesus affirmed Peter’s love and gave him the responsibility to care for His people. Humility prepares us to serve others and follow Jesus fully.

- Conclusion

Peter’s story shows us the power of forgiveness and the importance of humility in serving Jesus. No matter our past failures, Jesus can restore us.

- Reflection

Why did Jesus ask Peter three times if he loved Him?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does Peter’s humility show the way we should serve Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- MONDAY – Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus

- Lesson

Read John 21:20-22

KJV 20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

CEV 20 Peter turned and saw Jesus' favorite disciple following them. He was the same one who had sat next to Jesus at the meal and had asked, “Lord, who is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw this disciple, he asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” 22 Jesus answered, “What is it to you, if I want him to live until I return? You must follow me.”

. After Jesus restores Peter, Peter asks about John’s future. Jesus redirects Peter’s attention back to following Him and not worrying about others. Jesus teaches Peter (and us) that our primary focus should be on following Him, not comparing ourselves to others.

This lesson reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus and not get distracted by the lives of others. We are each called to follow Him in our own way, and only He knows our path.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Peter’s question shows a natural human curiosity about others, but Jesus wants us to focus solely on Him. Each of us has our own unique journey with Christ.

- Conclusion

We are called to follow Jesus and not worry about how He leads others. Our walk with Him is personal, and He knows what is best for each of us.

- Reflection

Why did Jesus redirect Peter’s attention from John to following Him?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can focusing on others distract us from following Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- TUESDAY – Light and Darkness

- Lesson

Read John 1:4-10

KJV 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

CEV 4 received its life from him, and his life gave light to everyone. 5 The light keeps shining in the dark, and darkness has never put it out. 6 God sent a man named John, 7 who came to tell about the light and to lead all people to have faith. 8 John wasn't this light. He came only to tell about the light. 9 The true light that shines on everyone was coming into the world. 10 The Word was in the world, but no one knew him, though God had made the world with his Word.

and John 8:12

KJV 12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

CEV 12 Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, “I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won't be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.”

. John’s Gospel shows the contrast between light and darkness. Jesus is the light that guides us, but many choose to stay in darkness because they reject Him. Without Jesus, the world is lost in darkness, unable to know the truth.

This lesson reminds us that only through Jesus can we find true light and understanding. The world may offer its own ideas of truth, but only Jesus reveals the truth about God and salvation.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White emphasizes that without Jesus, we remain in spiritual darkness. The Pharisees rejected Jesus because they relied on their own understanding. To truly know God, we must accept Jesus as the light of the world.

- Conclusion

Jesus is the only way to know the truth about God. He brings light to our lives and guides us out of the darkness.

- Reflection

How does Jesus bring light into our lives?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why do some people reject the light that Jesus offers?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- WEDNESDAY – Theology From “Above” or From “Below”

- Lesson

Read John 4:46-54

KJV 46 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. 48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. 49 The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. 50 Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. 52 Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. 54 This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

CEV 46 While Jesus was in Galilee, he returned to the village of Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was an official in Capernaum whose son was sick. 47 And when the man heard that Jesus had come from Judea, he went and begged him to keep his son from dying. 48 Jesus told the official, “You won't have faith unless you see miracles and wonders!” 49 The man replied, “Lord, please come before my son dies!” 50 Jesus then said, “Your son will live. Go on home to him.” The man believed Jesus and started back home. 51 Some of the official's servants met him along the road and told him, “Your son is better!” 52 He asked them when the boy got better, and they answered, “The fever left him yesterday at one o'clock.” 53 The boy's father realized that at one o'clock the day before, Jesus had told him, “Your son will live!” So the man and everyone in his family put their faith in Jesus. 54 This was the second miracle that Jesus worked after he left Judea and went to Galilee.

. The official came to Jesus asking for his son’s healing but doubted until he saw it happen. Jesus wants us to trust His Word, even when we don’t see immediate results. Theology “from below” relies on human understanding, but theology “from above” trusts in God’s Word completely.

We must approach the Bible with faith, trusting that God knows what is best. Human wisdom is limited and flawed, but God’s Word is always true and reliable.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White teaches that we must trust in Jesus’ Word even before we see evidence of it. Faith is believing that God hears and answers our prayers, even when the results are not immediate.

- Conclusion

God’s Word is true, and we must trust it over human understanding. Faith in His Word leads to spiritual growth and healing.

- Reflection

Why did Jesus want the official to trust His Word before seeing the healing?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we learn to trust God’s Word over our own understanding?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- THURSDAY – Abiding in Jesus

- Lesson

Read John 15:1-11

KJV 1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

CEV 1 Jesus said to his disciples: I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts away every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit. But he trims clean every branch that does produce fruit, so that it will produce even more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of what I have said to you. 4 Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you. Just as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays joined to the vine, you cannot produce fruit unless you stay joined to me. 5 I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me. 6 If you don't stay joined to me, you will be thrown away. You will be like dry branches that are gathered up and burned in a fire. 7 Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered. 8 When you become fruitful disciples of mine, my Father will be honored. 9 I have loved you, just as my Father has loved me. So remain faithful to my love for you. 10 If you obey me, I will keep loving you, just as my Father keeps loving me, because I have obeyed him. 11 I have told you this to make you as completely happy as I am.

. Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches. Without Him, we can do nothing. Abiding in Jesus means staying connected to Him through prayer, study of His Word, and living according to His teachings. This connection brings spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

The closer we stay to Jesus, the more our lives reflect His character. Abiding in Him is the secret to living a successful Christian life.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that abiding in Jesus means fully trusting Him and drawing strength from Him every day. Without Jesus, we cannot grow spiritually, but with Him, we can live in His power and grace.

- Conclusion

To grow spiritually, we must stay connected to Jesus. He is the source of our strength and the key to living a fruitful Christian life.

- Reflection

How do we stay connected to Jesus, the vine?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What happens when we try to live without staying connected to Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- FRIDAY – Further Thought

- Lesson

God’s Word is the light that leads us to Jesus. We have a choice to either walk in this light or remain in darkness. As we reflect on this week’s lessons, we are reminded that knowing Jesus means accepting His Word into our hearts and living according to His truth.

God has given us His Word as a guide, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can follow Jesus and live in His light every day.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White teaches that the Bible is our connection to God. Through the Bible, we learn about Jesus, His life, death, and resurrection. His Word lights our path and leads us to eternal life.

- Conclusion

To know Jesus, we must accept His Word into our hearts. It is the light that leads us to Him and gives us eternal life.

- Reflection

Why is it important to follow God’s Word and not just read it?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does the Holy Spirit help us live according to God’s Word?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

How can we move from knowing about Jesus to truly knowing Him?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is it dangerous to compare ourselves to others in our walk with Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What does it mean to “abide in Jesus,” and how does this help us grow spiritually?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- LESSON SUMMARY

Knowing Jesus and His Word

This week’s lesson emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus personally through His Word. By reading, accepting, and living according to the Bible, we move beyond just learning facts and develop a close relationship with Jesus. His Word is the light that leads us to eternal life and guides us in our daily walk with Him. As we abide in Jesus, we experience spiritual growth and live fruitful Christian lives.