Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, Sabbath, October 26, 2024.

Main Theme: This week begins with the powerful witness of John the Baptist. Other witnesses come on the stage as well: Andrew and Simon Peter, Philip and Nathanael, and a most unexpected witness, the Pharisee Nicodemus. But another witness stands back in the shadows (that other disciple with Andrew, in John 1:35; John 1:40)—John himself.

Read in Class: John 1:19-23. Ask the class to define the main idea of this passage.

Study: How did John the Baptist explain his ministry and mission?

Apply: In what way should we, as Seventh-day Adventists, do the same kind of ministry as did John the Baptist? What are the parallels?

Share: Your friend asks you how John the Baptist knew Jesus was the Messiah? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 1:29-39. Ask the class the define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What proclamation does John the Baptist make about Jesus? What image does he use to depict Him, and why is it so significant in understanding who Jesus was and what His mission would be? What did these two disciples do after hearing John’s witness about Jesus?

Apply: Read Mark 10:45, Romans 5:6, and 1 Peter 2:24. How do these verses help us understand the role of Jesus as “the Lamb of God”? Consider deeply Jesus’ title as “the Lamb of God.” What images does it bring to mind, and how does its linkage to the Old Testament sacrificial system help you appreciate the great price of our salvation?

Share: Your friend asks, you, “In what ways has Christ, and your faith in Christ, changed your life? What other changes would you still like to see happen?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 1:43-51. Have the class summarize this passage.

Study: What did Philip’s message reveal about his faith in Jesus already? How did Jesus convince Nathanael of who He was, and what was Nathanael’s response?

Apply: While we don’t hear much about or from Nathaniel other than this brief passage, Jesus spoke very highly of him. What does this tell you about how God regards those of us who live normal everyday lives?

Share: Your friend asks, what Nathaniel meant by “can anything good come out of Nazareth?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 3:1-21. Ask the class the summarize this passage.

Study: How does the testimony of Nicodemus support the theme of the Gospel of John?

Apply: What did Jesus say to Nicodemus to show that He could see right through him?

Share: Your friend asks, “What does it mean to be “born again,” and why would Jesus put such emphasis on it?” What do you tell your friend?