John Bible Study Lesson 5

John Bible Study Lesson 5 Answers

1.Do some research on "literal" Bible interpretation and give a definition and an example.
Literal Bible interpretation; Many fundamentalists believed the Holy Spirit dictated the Bible to its human authors word-for-word. They reasoned that "inerrancy of Scripture" meant that everything in the Bible must be absolutely, literally, scientifically and historically true. Anything less would be unworthy of God. According to this view, the Bible, in all its detail, is inerrant on matters of history and science, as well as doctrine. Any apparent conflict between the Bible and another source (science, history, etc.) should be resolved in favor of the Bible because of its Divine origin.

Bible verses such as these are often quoted to support the literal view:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (KJV, 2nd Timothy 3:16)

But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. (NAS, 2nd Peter 1:20-21)

However, interpreting the entire Bible as literal divine revelation poses severe problems for serious Bible study. Besides the apparent conflicts with science and history, there is evidence within the Bible itself that it has both human and divine origins. Luke attributed his Gospel to his own research:

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. (NIV, Luke 1:1-4)

Paul's letters (Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, etc.) were originally written as letters to churches he had founded, not as part of Scripture. They dealt not only with divine revelation but also with many mundane matters like disputes among church factions. Paul often stated his own personal opinions:

To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. (NIV, 1 Corinthians 7:12)

There is also evidence within the Bible that portions of it are intended to be interpreted figuratively rather than literally (John 16:25, Galatians 4:24, Revelation 1:20, 17:18, etc.)

2.Do some research on "metaphor" and give definition and a Biblical example of its use.

Metaphor - indeed there are many metaphors in the Bible. Jesus used metaphors very effectively as a teaching tool. For example, at Matthew 19:24, Jesus said that it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man (one who pursues wealth as a god) to get into God's Kingdom. Pretty easy to get that point, right?
Here's some more examples.
Jesus used a metaphor when he told his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:13) No, the disciples were not literally salt. But salt is a preservative, and the disciples had a message that would preserve the lives of many people. By saying, “You are the salt” (a metaphor) Jesus was being much more forceful than if he had said, “You are like salt” (a simile).
We see some more examples in these other words of Jesus: “I am the door”; “You are the light of the world. . . . Let your light shine.”—John 10:7-9, 11; Matthew 5:14-16.

Please take a quick look at why we can put implicit trust in the Bible.
Prophecy - The prophecies recorded in the Bible are provably accurate to the minutest of details even though the prophecies were uttered sometimes hundreds of years in advance. Consider, for example, the prophecy recorded at Isaiah 44:24, 27, 28; 45:1-4 about how the great walled city of Babylon would fall. Absolutely unimaginable as Babylon was the world power at the time. Yet, some 150 years later, it all happened exactly as Isaiah had foretold. In fact, Cyrus was named as the man who would orchestrate this attack and he wasn't even born yet when this prophecy was recorded. There are far too many more prophecies recorded in the Bible to be able to say that it is not historically accurate.
In fact, recent discoveries have proven that Pharaoh's army did indeed all drown at the Red Sea.

The Bible is not a scientific textbook and yet, where it does touch on scientific matters, it is absolutely accurate. For example, consider that the Bible correctly referred to the earth as a circle or a sphere (Isaiah 40:22) long before Columbus figured it out. It also said that the hare was a cud-chewer. Science only figured this out recently.
The Bible was written by over 40 different individuals over a time period of some 1600 years. They came from many different backgrounds and different walks of life. There were farmers and fishermen and shepherds. There were prophets and judges and kings. The Gospel writer Luke, was a doctor. All of this and yet the Bible is absolutely harmonious throughout.

3.Do some research on "simile" and give definition and a biblical example. A simile is a comparison between people or things with something else which throws light on the description of the people or the meaning of the thing / concept / idea. The clue to the presence of a simile is the use of like / as.

Here are five examples of similes:

They came up with their livestock and their tents like swarms of locusts [Judges 6:5]

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. [Matt. 13:44] Metaphors describe something in terms of something else, so creating a picture which throws light on the thing described. So when Jesus said, ‘I am the Good Shepherd’ [John 10:11] he was using a metaphor ‘shepherd’ to describe his role and he contrasts his way of being a shepherd – laying down his life for his sheep – with that of others.
4.Do some research on an "allegory" and give definition and a Biblical example. Allegory is an extended metaphor; this is a meaning intended in the original text

Some examples of allegory in the Bible include:

The parable of the trees, Judges 9. The trees represent the lords of Shechem, and the bramble represents Abimelech.

The vine in Psalm 80. The vine represents Israel and its relationship with God.

Nathan's prophecy against David, 2 Samuel 12. As Nathan explains, King David is the rich man who steals from the poor.

Many parables of Jesus, e.g. the weeds and the wheat, Matthew 13:24-30; the good Samaritan, Luke 10:37-37; the vineyard, Mark 12:1-9

5.When we speak of Bible "typology" or we using it in literal or figurative way? Explain your answer. Typology is a foreshadowing of later events; this is a secondary meaning that often can only be seen after the fact

Typology is found throughout the New Testament. Some examples:

Matthew 2:15 quoting Hosea 11:1, "Out of Egypt I have called my son." The original refers to the Exodus; Matthew uses this typologically to refer to Joseph taking Mary and Jesus to Egypt. Israel's exodus from Egypt foreshadows Jesus' return from Egypt.

Hebrews 7 refers to King Melchizedek as "a priest forever", foreshadowing Jesus, who for Christians is the true "priest forever".

In Matthew 12:39-40 Jesus refers to Jonah's three days and nights in the belly of the whale as a "sign" foreshadowing Jesus' three days and nights in the tomb.

In John 3:14 the pole lifted by Moses in the wilderness (Numbers 21:9) foreshadows Jesus being "lifted up" on the cross.

Romans 5:14 explicitly calls Adam "a type of the one who was to come". The death which Adam brought to all of humanity foreshadows the life which Christ brings.

6.Read and explain John 10:7.

John 10:7 I am the door of the sheep. Joh 10:1-5 speak of shepherds in general. These shepherds enter into the fold and go out by the same door as the sheep. Christ is that door; the door of the sheep, the one door for all, both sheep and shepherds. There is no other way in, for there is no other name, under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved (Ac 4:12).

7.Read and explain John 10:8.

John10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers. Abbott holds that the idea is All who came, not entering through the door, but claiming to be before me, having the precedence, independent of me, are thieves and robbers. This seems to harmonize with the context, and is probably the Savior's meaning. He included the Jewish rabbis, the Greek philosophers, the pretended prophets, and the Infallible Pope. These all refuse to bow to his authority.

8.Read and explain John 10:9. John10:9 If any one - As a sheep, enter in by me - Through faith, he shall be safe - From the wolf, and from those murdering shepherds. And shall go in and out - Shall continually attend on the shepherds whom I have sent; and shall find pasture - Food for his soul in all circumstances.

9.Read and explain John 10:10.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy - That is, nothing else can be the consequence of a shepherd's coming, who does not enter in by me.

10.Are the "I AM" statements a "figure of speech" or a "literal" statement. If it is a "figure of speech", which type?

Yes I AM  statement is  a figure of speech. A figure of speech is sometimes called a rhetorical figure or a locution.

 When Jesus used the "I AM" construction he was speaking in the style of deity. In conclusion, we contend that in the claim, "I AM the bread of life," Jesus is making His heavenly origins known, and the fact that He alone supplies the spiritual need of His hearers. I AM" sayings prove the deity of Jesus the Christ. And that when Jesus uttered these solemn words, He sought to convey the astounding fact of his divine nature - as did the Apostle John when he recorded these life-giving words. Some good examples of Jesus’ metaphors are also in the gospels. In these examples, Jesus compares Himself to, bread water and light.

Then Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12

I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again. – John 6:35

John Bible Study Lesson 4

John Bible Study Lesson 4

1.       Read and explain John 8:12.

John 8:12-16:Christ is the Light of the world. God is light, and Christ is the image of the invisible God. One sun enlightens the whole world; so does one Christ, and there needs no more. What a dark dungeon would the world be without the sun! So would it be without Jesus, by whom light came into the world. Those who follow Christ shall not walk in darkness. They shall not be left without the truths which are necessary to keep them from destroying error, and the directions in the way of duty, necessary to keep them from condemning sin.

2. Read and explain John 8:24. Compare this verse to John 3:18. John 8:21-29: Those that live in unbelief, are for ever undone, if they die in unbelief. The Jews belonged to this present evil world, but Jesus was of a heavenly and Divine nature, so that his doctrine, kingdom, and blessings, would not suit their taste. But the curse of the law is done away to all that submit to the grace of the gospel. Nothing but the doctrine of Christ's grace will be an argument powerful enough, and none but the Spirit of Christ's grace will be an agent powerful enough, to turn us from sin to God; and that Spirit is given, and that doctrine is given, to work upon those only who believe in Christ. Some say, Who is this Jesus? They allow him to have been a Prophet, an excellent Teacher, and even more than a creature; but cannot acknowledge him as over all, God blessed for evermore. Will not this suffice? Jesus here answers the question. Is this to honour him as the Father? Does this admit his being the Light of the world, and the Life of men, one with the Father? All shall know by their conversion, or in their condemnation, that he always spake and did what pleased the Father, even when he claimed the highest honours to himself.

John  3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned - Is acquitted, is justified before God. The name of the only - begotten Son of God - The name of a person is often put for the person himself. But perhaps it is farther intimated in that expression, that the person spoken of is great and magnificent. And therefore it is generally used to express either God the Father or the Son.

3. Read and explain John 8:31-32. Explain free from what? John 8:30-36 Such power attended our Lord's words, that many were convinced, and professed to believe in him. He encouraged them to attend his teaching, rely on his promises, and obey his commands, notwithstanding all temptations to evil. Thus doing, they would be his disciples truly; and by the teaching of his word and Spirit, they would learn where their hope and strength lay. Christ spoke of spiritual liberty; but carnal hearts feel no other grievances than those that molest the body, and distress their worldly affairs. Talk to them of their liberty and property, tell them of waste committed upon their lands, or damage done to their houses, and they understand you very well; but speak of the bondage of sin, captivity to Satan, and liberty by Christ; tell of wrong done to their precious souls, and the hazard of their eternal welfare, then you bring strange things to their ears. Jesus plainly reminded them, that the man who practised any sin, was, in fact, a slave to that sin, which was the case with most of them. Christ in the gospel offers us freedom, he has power to do this, and those whom Christ makes free are really so. But often we see persons disputing about liberty of every kind, while they are slaves to some sinful lust.

4. Read and explain John 8:39? Whose children does Jesus say that they are? John 8:39. If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham-He had just said He "knew they were Abraham's children," that is, according to the flesh; but the children of his faith and holiness they were not, but the reverse.

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5. Read Chapters 8-9 of John and contrast light and darkness.

John Chapter 8 & 9 – Jesus is the Light of the World

When Jesus proclaimed He is the Light of the World in John 8:12 this made his second of the seven Great “I AMs” of John. Just as the earth or anything in it cannot survive without the sun, humanity cannot do without Jesus. Even now, though many live oblivious to His sustaining power in all things, He is nonetheless Lord and King of all! He is as vital and necessary as the sun itself is to the physical world. As all energy and life is given by the Sun, our light here in the physical world; so it follows that all energy and life, physical and spiritual, derive from Jesus. He is The SON! Let’s look at some of the things Jesus reveals about Himself and us through His statements on Divine Light.

1.       Jesus is the Morning Star, the Dawn upon the darkness. John 8:2 – At dawn He appeared at the temple courts – Jesus is the true light. All the people gathered around Him and He taught them. Those who refuse the clarity of light prefer darkness – preferring ignorance and reliance upon their pitiful thoughts and ways.

2.       Jesus exposes sin and deals mercifully with us. 8:3-11 – Light exposes darkness. Nothing can escape its illumination!  True light exposes sin to give it opportunity to change. In this passage the teachers of the Law and Pharisees thought they were being “light” by bringing a woman accused of adultery before Jesus; but they exposed her to test him, or to humiliate her, or to appear “righteous”. Whatever the motive it was not a true, genuine, loving motive. The Morning Star, our Lord Jesus, exposes sin that we may repent and shine with Him! Jesus being the light of the world teaches the sinless and undefiled nature of Christ, light being the only thing that may fall upon rottenness and corruption and itself remain uncontaminated. The Light of the world shines upon the wretched ugliness of our shameless world, saves it, changes it, and lifts it up, but is not himself contaminated. No matter how dirty the room in which the light shines, the light remains pure.

a.       Peter wrote: 2Pe 1:19 NIV We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

b.      Although Jesus is the Light of the World and can see all things, He chooses to give mercy as opposed to condemnation. He does not do it to tolerate sin, but to obliterate it. Jesus expects us to sin not more, as he told this woman when He forgave her (8:11).

3.       Jesus is the Light of the World. 8:12 – NIV  "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." This metaphor reveals Jesus as God. Only of one identified with deity could it be said of him that He is the light of the world. The Old Testament made it clear that only God is light: "The Lord is my light and my salvation" (Psalms 27:1); and an apostle identified God as "the Father of heavenly lights" (James 1:17). Therefore, when Jesus said, "I am the light of the world," he forever lifted himself above the category of mere mortality. Only a lunatic, or the world's true Savior, could sincerely have said such a thing as this; and the receding centuries have left no doubt that the Redeemer said it and that he is indeed the world's light. He is God come in the flesh. He wants us to have life in His fellowship – that is the light of Life!

a.       Jesus also said: John 12:46 NIV  I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. By obligation, whether we believe or not, we can only walk in the light. You may forgive someone who stumbles around in darkness, but if he does so in the light there is a problem, unless the person is blind. When light is shone we are obligated to look. If we reject what is clearly shown we sin against God and reject the goodness clarified by the light. If you stay in darkness you have chosen to remain ignorant, limited and irrelevant. Many charge Christians to be irrelevant to the “modern” dictates of our culture but in the end, it is those who chose to remain in darkness who will be irrelevant to the eternal life to be revealed.

b.      Jesus is the light of the world eternally, for even in heaven, "the Lamb is its lamp" of the eternal city (Revelation 21:23). Chris Tomlin’s hymn catches the mystery of this thought perfectly: Light of the world you’ve stepped down into darkness; opened my eyes let me see…

4.       Divine Light Exposes the Unseen. 8:15-16 – NIV  You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one.  (16)  But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. The Light of the World, Jesus, doesn’t pass judgment (not yet anyway. We’ll read more about that in chapter 12). True Light doesn’t judge by human standards. Humans judge by outward appearance, just like physical light lets them see; God judges by the heart (1 Sam 16:17).

a.       Humans are quick to judge. They usually don't discern in their judgment. Thank God His judgments are true! His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways higher than our ways (Isa 55:7-9).

b.      This metaphor is an apt figure of the universality of the gospel, there being no place on earth where light cannot reach. Similarly, the saving message of Christ shines throughout all the earth. The witness of the calendar week (7 days of creation) and the measurements of time (B.C and A.D.), of the Gospel trifecta, of the witness of history, of the progress of civilization, etc. - imperfect as the witness surely is, it is nevertheless undeniably universal they all point to Christ as Lord of all the universe. As John said of Jesus, He is "The true light that gives light to everyone" (John 1:6-9).

c.       I am the Light of the World. 9:5 – When Jesus says this in chapter 9 he said it in the context of his disciples judging sin by mere appearances. The light from God helps us see the works of God displayed in the imperfect and broken things of the world as Jesus said, “…but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” – John 9:3. Therefore we should judge nothing before its time for we may not be seeing the completeness of what God is accomplishing. 1Co 4:5 NIV Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

5.       The need to be children of Light (John 12:36). NIV “Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” I believe Jesus is asking of us, just like He was asking of those people to simply walk according to the truth even if you don't completely understand where it came from or its purpose.  Jesus was teaching them to take advantage of His presence among them to learn His ways, lest they be overtaken by darkness.  As a very famous green little person said: “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” ~ Yoda. While I have Jesus (the Word) in front of me I have to take advantage of His presence or sin can overcome me.  Let's impress Jesus upon our hearts so we can be sons of light and shine brightly! Being sons of light means:

a.       Working wholeheartedly in God’s Kingdom: John 9:4 NIV As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. There was work Jesus had to do - since He was in the world and is the Light of the World, there were things to do before night came (He would leave the world) and no more of this work could be done. Without God’s light we wouldn’t know how to work, the right attitude to go about it or why we should do it. As our Light, Jesus shows us that the work we ought to do, for we do not do it for men but for the Lord (Col 3:23 NIV Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…).

b.      Doing it all with a positive attitude and with gratefulness: – our goal is to please Him (2 Co 5:9) and that is why we do our very best! Children ought to please their parents because in doing so they please God – Col 3:20. Workers should do their best not to please their bosses but to please Jesus (Col 3:22). What we do and why we do it ought not to depend on other’s reactions or promises to us, but on our commitment to please the Lord. We are not lead by our emotions but engage our emotions in our conviction. That is the life and the power the Holy Spirit gave us (2Ti 1:7 NIV For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.).

6.       Jesus lights up God’s Character. 8:24, 28, 58 – Jesus is “I Am”! "I am" in the Greek is ego eimi: I am, I have been, I will always be.  When Jesus says “I am He” in the Greek it’s really saying “I Am” or “I am the One”. Jesus declares himself to be The Lord Almighty (see Exodus 3:14). Philippians 2:9-13 NIV Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,  (10)  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  (11)  and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  (12)  Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, (13) for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

a.       When I understand Who Jesus is, I am rightly motivated to will and to act according to God’s kindness and generosity, not according to how I feel or what I think.

b.      When I understand Who Jesus is, I am motivated to live as His child not by fear but by His love – His love makes me Revere Him – honor Him and respect Him by humbly obeying and accepting His will.

c.       I will either bow down and confess Him now willingly became I recognize His name; or I will do it later by obligation with eternal regret.

7.       The Light Enables us to Worship in Spirit and Truth. 9:38-39 – When the blind man received his sight at first all he saw was the world he was missing. He didn’t yet know Jesus, although he was willing to defend Him against the accusations of the Pharisees. At the end of chapter 9 Jesus asks him if he believes. The man believed and worshipped Him. Those who see the light worship Jesus. There is no one else to worship or pay homage to.  Jesus has come for judgment, to expose those who think they see and to help those who don’t see.

a.       John 8:31-32 NIV To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  (32) Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Jesus addresses those who were believing in Him and is now going to tell them how to make that belief work. It is not enough just to intellectually admit or believe – belief has to mature as faith expressed in obedience and full trust. Holding to Jesus' teachings is how we show we are His real disciples. Holding, abiding, continuing – depending on the English translation this word is from the Greek meno, which means to remain, not to depart, to continue to be present; to keep, to endure and to become as one, not becoming another or different (Thayer's Lexicon).

                                                               i.      A contrast is made between real and false disciples. Who are false? Those who believe but who do not honor Jesus' teachings by their lifestyle. Those who are "Christians" in name only. We call them "Sunday Christians" or "Christmas Christians". They may observe traditional "Christian" customs (most which are not even really biblical but man-made) but they are not disciples of Jesus at heart.

                                                             ii.      Jesus did not say to those believers: "You have believed on me, therefore you are saved"; but he said in effect, "Now that you have believed, if you really want to be my disciples, do what I have commanded." The ultimate salvation of those "believers" depended then, as it does today, upon their obeying the gospel of Christ. If they had been among the three thousand baptized on Pentecost, then they would have been saved. - Coffman

b.      We know it is God's Word, Jesus, who judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Heb 4:12). Those who say they really see but don't accept Jesus are really blind. Those who acknowledge their blindness will receive their sight. Those who acknowledge themselves as blind receive healing (Matthew 5:1ff).  Those who are arrogant cannot see the glory of God.  They have no part in God's grace since they cannot see the very thing that can bring them healing.  They too think they can see, like the Pharisees.

c.       Men are commanded to respond to the light. They should believe on the light and become sons of light (John 12:36); they should walk in the light (1 John 1:6-7); they should put on the whole armor of light (Romans 13:12); and they should arise and shine in the reflected glory of the light (Isaiah 60:1). The import of all this is that all men should exhibit an obedient faith in Christ.

John 12:46-48 NIV  I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.  (47)  If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. (48)  There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.

Jesus did not come to the world to judge us but to get us on the right path. He came to give us hope, as hopeless as we may seem to be. He did come to tell us there will be a judgment, on the last day. Time is short and we must make sure we take Jesus’ invitation to correct our course and lead us to the light and to stay in the path of light if we’ve deviated. We must continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling indeed!

Mal 4:2a NIV But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.

Invitation: Will you follow Jesus into the light of life and step out of the darkness? – John 8:12 

6. Compare Jesus' response to why the man was born blind in chapter 9 to the fact that all are born spiritually blind?

There is a man mentioned in John 9 who was born blind, but when Jesus arrived on the scene, this blind man's life drastically changed. Not only would he see with his eyes, but he would also come to a clear spiritual view of Christ. The miracle in John chapter nine sets the tone for two important lessons Jesus wanted to teach. First, there is a lesson on the nature of spiritual blindness (9:39-41). Second, He issues a warning about false spiritual shepherds (10:1-18). We will concern ourselves, in these articles, with His primary lesson in chapter nine.

The blind man makes an astute Biblical observation: "Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind" (9:32). This is a true statement, search your Bibles. It seems that restoring sight to the blind was strictly the work of Jesus Christ (c.f., Isa 29:18 42:6).

John chapter nine is a powerful illustration and confirmation of Jesus claim, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" Jn 8:12.

The Lord's View of the Blind Man: (Jn 9:3-5)
"Jesus answered, 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.'"

Jesus both answers their question and helps them to see a broader issue. His words do not explain the cause of the man's blindness, but the purpose. He sees in the blind man an opportunity to display the works of God.

When we see suffering, do we see it as a problem or a possibility? If someone close to us suffers from physical or mental impairment, what do we see in that person? Do we see a problem, a hassle, an inconvenience, or do we see an opportunity to display the works of God? For us that means providing assistance in whatever way we can.

The Healing Effect of Obedience: (Jn 9:6-7)
"When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. And He said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing."

We have seen the blind man from the disciples' perspective, and more clearly, from the Lord's perspective, now let's put ourselves behind the darkened eyes of the blind man. Put yourself in his place for a moment. His hearing is just fine. How would you feel, hearing people talk about your spiritual condition with no concern at all for your thoughts? The blind man put them all to silence though, he did not have a careless concern for his condition, he went out and did exactly as Jesus instructed and returned with his eye-sight.

This healing also tells us something about Jesus. He always backed up His claims with application. It is one thing to say, "I am the light of the world" and another thing to demonstrate the power to take away the darkness. Just like it is one thing for us to say we are lights in the world and salt to the earth, and another thing to reflect truth and preserve righteousness in our lives.

The People's Reaction: (Jn 9:8-12)
"Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, 'Is not this he who sat and begged?' Some said, 'This is he.' Others said, 'He is like him.' He said, 'I am he.' Therefore they said to him, 'How were your eyes opened?' He answered and said, 'A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, Go to the pool of Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and I received sight.' Then they said to him, 'Where is He?' He said, 'I do not know.'"

The miracle was so incredible that the people could not believe their eyes. What is troubling, though, is that no one seems to be rejoicing with the formerly blind man. They asked only, "Where is He?" Jesus, that is, thinking maybe He had something for them too. The little phrase, "Rejoice with those who rejoice," (Ro 12:15) is difficult for the worldly mind centered on its own interests.

Now that Jesus has captured our attention with this miracle, let us reflect upon three things that this miracle tells us about conversion to Jesus Christ.

Conversion Begins With God: The blind man did not initiate his healing, Jesus did. The apostle John wrote, "In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins" 1Jn 4:9-10.
Conversion Involves Faith: Jesus told him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" and he did so, by faith, "and came back seeing." Do you think this man would have gained his sight if rather than going to the pool of Siloam he went to his parents' home and washed in their basin? To have spiritual sight today, people must respond to God's love in obedient faith.
Conversion Begins A Life Of Great Change: The word conversion means "to turn about, turn towards." In the lessons that follow, we will observe a true conversion to Christ, as the formerly blind man turns away from the dark ditch of unbelief toward the glorious light of the Son of God.
If you are living in darkness today, there is no reason why you cannot learn from the example of this formerly blind man. Will you be washed and receive your sight today? "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" Ac 22:16.

7. Research the "Feast of the Tabernacles" and explain its purpose.

The Feast of Tabernacles is the seventh and last feast that the Lord commanded Israel to observe and one of the three feasts that Jews were to observe each year by going to “appear before the Lord your God in the place which He shall choose” (Deuteronomy 16:16). The importance of the Feast of Tabernacles can be seen in how many places it is mentioned in Scripture. In the Bible we see many important events that took place at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles. For one thing, it was at this time that Solomon’s Temple was dedicated to the Lord (1 Kings 8:2).

It was also at the Feast of Tabernacles that the Israelites, who had returned to rebuild the Temple, gathered together to hear Ezra proclaim the word of God to them (Nehemiah 8). Ezra’s preaching resulted in a great revival as the Israelites confessed their sins and repented of them. It was also during this Feast that Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37-39).

The Feast of Tabernacles takes place on the 15th of the Hebrew month Tishri. This was the seventh month on the Hebrew calendar and usually occurs in late September to mid-October. The feast begins five days after the Day of Atonement and at the time the fall harvest had just been completed. It was a time of joyous celebration as the Israelites celebrated God’s continued provision for them from the current harvest and also to remember and celebrate His provision and protection during the 40 years in the wilderness.

As one of the three feasts that all “native born” male Jews were commanded to participate in, the Feast of Tabernacles is mentioned multiple times in Scripture, sometimes called the Feast of the Ingathering, the Feast to the Lord, or the Feast of Booths (Exodus 23:16; Deuteronomy 16:13). As one of the pilgrim feasts (when Jewish males were commanded to go to Jerusalem), it was also the time when they brought their tithes and offerings to the Temple (Deuteronomy 16:16). With all the influx of people coming to Jerusalem at that time, we can only imagine what the scene must have been like. Thousands upon thousands of people coming together to remember and celebrate God’s deliverance and His provision, all living in temporary shelters or booths as part of the requirements of the feast. During the eight-day period, so many sacrifices were made that it required all twenty-four divisions of priests to be present to assist in the sacrificial duties.

We find God’s instructions for celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles in Leviticus 23, given at a point in history right after God had delivered Israel from bondage in Egypt. The feast was to be celebrated each year on “the fifteenth day of this seventh month” and was to run for seven days (Leviticus 23:34). Like all feasts, it begins with a “holy convocation” or Sabbath day where the Israelites were to stop working to set aside the day for worshiping God. On each day of the feast they were to offer an “offering made by fire to the Lord” and then after seven days of feasting, again the eighth day was to be “a holy convocation” when they were to cease from work and offer another sacrifice to God (Leviticus 23). Lasting eight days, the Feast of Tabernacles begins and ends with a Sabbath day of rest. During the eight days of the feast, the Israelites would dwell in booths or tabernacles that were made from the branches of trees (Leviticus 23:40-42).

The Feast of Tabernacles, like all the feasts, was instituted by God as a way of reminding Israelites in every generation of their deliverance by God from Egypt. Of course the feasts are also significant in that they foreshadow the work and actions of the coming Messiah. Much of Jesus’ public ministry took place in conjunction with the Holy Feasts set forth by God. Like other parts of the Old Testament ceremonial and sacrificial system, the feasts are a foreshadowing of what the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, would and did accomplish.

The three pilgrim feasts where all Jewish males were commanded to “appear before the Lord in the place he chooses” are each very important in regards to the life of Christ and His work of redemption. We know with certainty that the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are symbolic of Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross. Likewise we know that Pentecost, which marked the beginning of the Feast of Weeks, was the time of Jesus’ bodily ascension. And most scholars would agree that the Feast of Tabernacles is symbolic of Christ’s Second Coming when He will establish His earthly kingdom.

But there are also some who believe that it was likely during the Feast of Tabernacles that Jesus was born. While we celebrate Christ’s birth on December 25, most scholars acknowledge that this tradition was begun in the fourth century B.C. by the Roman Catholic Church and that the exact day of Jesus’ birth is unknown. Some of the evidence that Jesus might have been born earlier in the year during the Feast of the Tabernacles includes the fact that it would be unlikely for shepherds to still be in the field with their sheep in December, which is in the middle of the winter, but it would have been likely they were in the fields tending sheep at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles. The strong possibility that Jesus was born at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles is also seen in the words John wrote in John 1:14. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” The word John chose to speak of Jesus “dwelling” among us is the word “tabernacle” which simply means to “dwell in a tent.”

Some believe it is very likely that John intentionally used this word to associate the first coming of Christ with the Feast of Tabernacles. Christ came in the flesh to dwell among us for a temporary time when He was born in the manger, and He is coming again to dwell us among us as Lord of Lords. While it cannot be established with certainty that Jesus was born during the Feast of the Tabernacles, some believe there is a strong possibility the Feast of Tabernacles not only looks forward to His second coming but also reflects back on His first coming.

The Feast of Tabernacles begins and ends with a special Sabbath day of rest. During the days of the feast all native Israelites were “to dwell in booths” to remind them that God delivered them out of the “land of Egypt” and to look forward to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would deliver His people from the bondage of sin. This feast, like all of the feasts of Israel, consistently reminded the Jews and should remind Christians as well that God has promised to deliver His people from the bondage of sin and deliver them from their enemies. Part of God’s deliverance for the Israelites was His provision and protection of them for the 40 years they wandered in the wilderness, cut off from the Promised Land. The same holds true for Christians today. God protects us and provides for us as we go through life in the wilderness of this world. While our hearts long for the Promised Land (heaven) and to be in the presence of God, He preserves us in this world as we await the world to come and the redemption that will come when Jesus Christ returns again to “tabernacle” or dwell among us in bodily form.

8. What was the "light" to the Jews in the wilderness? Compare the purpose of the light in the wilderness to the walking in the light for the believer.

The cloud led the people in the wilderness until they crosses over the Jordan River into the Promised Land in Canaan. In the person of Jesus Christ we have the full and complete revelation of God to man. He is all the light we need to bring us into God’s holy presence. The only one who can ever reveal the perfect likeness of God is His own Son. He leads us to the Father.

The presence of the cloud was an ever-present witness that God was with them. He was always near. He is the protector for everyone who comes to Him. He has His hands around and under us.

Jesus is the light in the Gospel of John (1:4-9, 12; 3:19; 9:5; 12:46). Jesus is the divine light—the holiness of God. “Light” is the emblem of holiness and righteousness. Christ is the wisdom, righteousness and sanctification and redemption from God.

In the opening section of John chapter eight we see the Light of the world indicating the righteousness of God before the Pharisees who drug a woman in before Him. How powerful that holy light shone when He said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” Her accusers were cut to the core with convicting power of God. The holiness of Jesus Christ as the Light of the world smote their sin-darkened hearts. The power of the light cut to the core and they departed one by one. “Go and sin no more,” were the words of a righteous God. He did not say go in peace and sin some more.

Jesus is the unique light of the world in the midst of depraved and corrupt mankind. He came and lived the one perfect life which still convicts sinful man. Isaiah 42:6 reads, “I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I will also hold you by the hand and watch over you, and I will appoint you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations.” In 49:6 the prophet quotes the Lord, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” In deed, Jesus is the “sun of righteousness” (Malachi 4:2). Jesus shines brightly in a spiritually dark world. The light conquers the opposing power called “darkness.” Light triumphs over darkness. John opens his gospel with the deity of Jesus Christ and therefore the light of His essential character and attributes (1:4-12). The apostle tells us the Logos is “the light.” Jesus said, “the light is come into the world,” and those who believe on Christ come to the light and those who will not believe shun it (3:18-21).

 Exodus13:21 And the Lord went before them in a pillar - In the two first stages, it was enough that God directed Moses whither to march; he knew the country, and the road; but now they are come to the edge of the wilderness, they would have occasion for a guide, and a very good guide they had, infinitely wise, kind, and faithful, the Lord went up before them; The Shechinah or appearance of the divine Majesty, which was a precious manifestation of the eternal Word, who in the fulness of time was to be made flesh, and dwell among us. Christ was with the church in the wilderness, 1Cor 10:9. What a satisfaction to Moses and the pious Israelites, to be sure that they were under a divine conduct? They need not fear missing their way who were thus led, nor being lost who were thus directed; they need not fear being benighted, who were thus illuminated, nor being robbed, who were thus protected. And they who make the glory of God their end, and the word of God their rule, the spirit of God the guide of their affections, and the providence of God the guide of their affairs, may be confident that the Lord goes before them, as truly is he went before Israel in the wilderness, though not so sensibly. They had sensible effects of God's going before them in this pillar. For, It led them the way in that vast howling wilderness, in which there was no road, no track, no way - marks through which they had no guides. When they marched, this pillar went before them, at the rate that they could follow, and appointed the place of their encampment, as infinite Wisdom saw fit; which eased them from care, and secured them from danger, both in moving, and in resting. It sheltered them from the heat by day, which at sometimes of the year was extreme: And it gave them light by night when they had occasion for it.

In the New Testament, “walking in the light” is directly related to following Jesus, who said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:2). While this verse does not directly say, “Walk in the light, i.e., Jesus,” it does pointedly warn of doing the opposite; therefore, those who follow Jesus are “walking in the light.”

To “walk” is, in short, to live one’s life. One’s lifestyle or way of life can be considered a “walk.” The word also indicates progress. Walking is related to growth; it is taking steps toward maturity. “Light” in the Bible can be a metaphor for life, happiness, righteousness, or understanding. The Bible is clear that light comes from the Lord God, the “Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17). He is the opposite of evil. Putting it all together, “walking in the light” means “growing in holiness and maturing in the faith as we follow Jesus.”

The apostle John repeatedly used the “light” metaphor in relation to the Messiah. For example, he writes that Jesus is “the true light that gives light to every man” (John 1:9). In 1 John 1:7 he says, “If we walk in the light as He [God] is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” In verse 5, John says that God’s very nature is light. Jesus, then, is the conduit or provider of light to the world.

Our Christian duty is to live in the light God gives: “Now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). When we walk in the light, we cannot walk in darkness. Sin is left in the shadows as we let our light “shine before men” (Matthew 5:16). It is God’s plan for us to become more like Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

“Walking in the light” means we consider Jesus as “the light” in this world, and we “walk” in that light by following His precepts, living in His power, and growing in His grace. The believer of Jesus Christ is the reflected light of the Lord Jesus. He is the light of the world and He said His followers are to be “light in the world” (cf. Eph. 5:8; John 12:35-36). The “light of life” is the spiritual, divine light that is possessed only by the “follower” or believer in Jesus Christ. Jesus emphasized: “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

For the Christian the light of Christ actually penetrates him and shall become his personal possession. Our light is His light, a reflection of His light working in and through us.

The figure breaks down as all do when communicating spiritual reality.

This “light of life” is the spiritual life, abiding union with God who is the essence of life.

Darkness and death go together; moreover light and eternal resurrected life also go together.

“God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.” He sent His Son who is “the light of the world” to give light and eternal life to each person who believes on Him. Each believer is a light shining out in a world of sin, depravity and spiritual darkness.

9. Read and explain Psalm 119:105 in relation to Jesus as the Light. Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet - This begins a new portion of the psalm, indicated by the Hebrew letter Nun (נ n), equivalent to our "n." The margin here is "candle." The Hebrew word means a light, lamp, candle. The idea is, that the word of God is like a torch or lamp ton man in a dark night. It shows him the way; it prevents his stumbling over obstacles, or failing down precipices, or wandering off into paths which would lead into danger, or would turn him away altogether from the path to life. Compare the notes at 2 Peter 1:19.

And a light unto my path - The same idea substantially is presented here. It is a light which shines on the road that a man treads, so that he may see the path, and that he may see any danger which may be in his path. The expression is very beautiful, and is full of instruction. He who makes the word of God his guide, and marks its teachings, is in the right way. He will clearly see the path. He will be able to mark the road in which he ought to go, and to avoid all those by-paths which would lead him astray. He will see where those by-roads turn off from the main path - often at a very small angle, and so that there seems to be no divergence. He will see any obstruction which may lie in his path; any declivity or precipice which may be near, and down which, in a dark night, one might fall. Man needs such a guide, and the Bible is such a guide.

10. Read and relate Matthew 5:14-18 to Jesus as the Light.

Matthew 5:13-16 Ye are the salt of the earth. Mankind, lying in ignorance and wickedness, were as a vast heap, ready to putrify; but Christ sent forth his disciples, by their lives and doctrines to season it with knowledge and grace. If they are not such as they should be, they are as salt that has lost its savour. If a man can take up the profession of Christ, and yet remain graceless, no other doctrine, no other means, can make him profitable. Our light must shine, by doing such good works as men may see. What is between God and our souls, must be kept to ourselves; but that which is of itself open to the sight of men, we must study to make suitable to our profession, and praiseworthy. We must aim at the glory of God.

John Bible Study Lesson 3

John Bible Study Lesson 3

1. Read John 3 about Jesus meeting with Nicodemus. What did Jesus mean by the saying "born again"?
In John 3:1-13 , Jesus is having a conversation with Nicodemus, who was a Pharisee. Jesus spoke to Nicodemus in accordance to the Pharisee’s teaching- to be born of water meant to be born physically. This is proved by Nicodemus remark who thought to be born again meant a physical birth “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born? In verse 5, Jesus proceeds to say, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, you cannot enter the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus, who was a Pharisee, believed like the other Jews that because he was born a Jew and kept God’s ordinances that he should automatically enter into the kingdom of God. However, Jesus explains this is not enough. In verse 6, Jesus Himself interprets the water as flesh (a physical birth) "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." Jesus says of being born of water is to be born of the flesh. Jesus explains the difference, telling Nicodemus you have already had a physical birth, you are in need of a another birth “Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' Literally from the Spirit above to enter the kingdom. You must be born again “that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." The new birth from above is a second birth which gives us eternal life

V.5 The new birth is invisible, he likens it to the wind. It is not from the water beneath (the flesh) but of the Spirit (literally, in the Greek, from above). He is contrasting the natural (flesh) to the spiritual (Spirit).

There is always a distinction between water and Spirit baptism. Scripture tells us that John came baptizing in water but that, “There is one who will come after me. . . He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (Mk. 1:7-8; Mt. 3:11; Jn. 1:33). The flesh and the spirit are two different properties, two different things. So there are two births- one of the flesh and the other of the spirit that comes from God. John 3:6-7 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'

The term born of water is used only once by John but the term born of  God (the Spirit) he uses numerous times.

I Jn 4:7: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God” This is the love of God shed in a believers heart by believing the gospel.

I Jn 5:1: “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.” This of course has to do with the gospel.

I Jn 5:4: “ For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our faith” The new nature of the spirit of God has our affections change toward God and not toward the fallen world.

I Jn 3:9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. ”

I Jn 5:18: “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.” There is life change where one lives more in righteousness than they do in the old way of life in sin. John explains this in I Jn 2:29: “If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him” And Paul teaches this through the book of Romans especially chapter 6-7

Romans 7:6 “But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.”

The Bible teaches that a man is “born of God” (Greek- EK - out of). This description occurs four times in John’s epistle alone, 1 Jn. 3:9, 4:7, 5:1,4. In all the instances where the source of the new birth is mentioned, the language is EK Him, EK God, or EK Spirit. John 1:12-13, we receive Christ by believing in His name, “not born by the will of man . . . but of God.” Nowhere in the Bible does it say that God uses creation (born of water) as part of conveying the new birth. The Greek preposition (“out of”) is never used elsewhere in connection anything else but its source which is God Himself.

In John 3:3, the term “born-again” literally means “to be born from above,” is what happens by Jesus sending His Spirit to those who respond to the gospel. The very essence of regeneration is by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is an unseen work that one receives when they believe, they are then sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13).

Born of God” To be begotten of God- to have his life, that is eternal along with the characteristics born anew is to love God and will certainly translate in loving the brethren. 1 Pt.1:22; 2 Pt.1:3 tells us we have been given His divine nature v.:5-8 “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The context of Jn. 3:5 must be related to Jesus’ previous statement in Jn. 3:3 :“Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” There is only one new birth mentioned in this verse and it is from the Spirit as other Scriptures uphold. John 3:6-7: "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again. .”

2 )John 3:14. relates to what Old Testament event? Give scripture reference, explain the event and relate to the context of John 3.
As Moses lifted up - He shows the reason why he descended from heaven, that he might be lifted up, i.e. crucified, for the salvation of man. kind, and be, by the appointment of God, as certain a remedy for sinful souls as the brazen serpent elevated on a pole, Numbers 21:9, was for the bodies of the Israelites, which had been bitten by the fiery serpents in the wilderness. It does not appear to me that the brazen serpent was ever intended to be considered as a type of Christ. It is possible to draw likenesses and resemblances out of any thing; but, in such matters as these, we should take heed that we go no farther than we can say, Thus it is written. Among the Jews, the brazen serpent was considered a type of the resurrection - through it the dying lived; and so, by the voice of God, they that were dead shall be raised to life. As the serpent was raised up, so shall Christ be lifted up: as they who were stung by the fiery serpents were restored by looking up to the brazen serpent, so those who are infected with and dying through sin are healed and saved, by looking up to and believing in Christ crucified. These are all the analogies which we can legitimately trace between the lifting up of the brazen serpent, and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The lifting up of the Son of man may refer to his mediatorial office at the right hand of God.

3.Explain John3:16.
John 3:16 Yea, and this was the very design of God's love in sending him into the world. Whosoever believeth on him - With that faith which worketh by love, and hold fast the beginning of his confidence steadfast to the end. God so loved the world - That is, all men under heaven; even those that despise his love, and will for that cause finally perish. Otherwise not to believe would be no sin to them. For what should they believe? Ought they to believe that Christ was given for them? Then he was given for them. He gave his only Son - Truly and seriously. And the Son of God gave himself, Gal 4:4, truly and seriously.

4. Explain John 3:18. John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned - Is acquitted, is justified before God. The name of the only - begotten Son of God - The name of a person is often put for the person himself. But perhaps it is farther intimated in that expression, that the person spoken of is great and magnificent. And therefore it is generally used to express either God the Father or the Son.

5. Explain John 1:29, "behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world". John 1:29 He seeth Jesus coming and saith, Behold the Lamb - Innocent; to be offered up; prophesied of by Isaiah, Isa 53:7, typified by the paschal lamb, and by the daily sacrifice: The Lamb of God - Whom God gave, approves, accepts of; who taketh away - Atoneth for; the sin - That is, all the sins: of the world - Of all mankind. Sin and the world are of equal extent.

6. Explain Jesus statement "I am the bread of life", John 6:35, 48.

John 6:35:I am the bread of life - That is, the bread which gives life, and preserves from death. He that cometh to me - The person who receives my doctrine, and believes in me as the great atoning sacrifice, shall be perfectly satisfied, and never more feel misery of mind. All the guilt of his sins shall be blotted out, and his soul shall be purified unto God; and, being enabled to love him with all his heart, he shall rest, fully, supremely, and finally happy, in his God.

In John 6:47-51 The advantage of the manna was small, it only referred to this life; but the living Bread is so excellent, that the man who feedeth on it shall never die. This bread is Christ's human nature, which he took to present to the Father, as a sacrifice for the sins of the world; to purchase all things pertaining to life and godliness, for sinners of every nation, who repent and believe in him.

7. Discuss the "feeding of five thousand" in John 6.

SCRIPTURE: (JOHN 6:1-14):Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

VERSE 1 - "After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias."

The Sea of Galilee has had a number of names over the centuries, but most seem to think it was called the Sea of Galilee during Jesus time. The city of Tiberias is believed to have been founded around 20AD.

The name of the sea is still the "Sea of Galilee" in our time, but at that particular time in history may have been known as the Sea of Tiberias.

VERSE 2 - "And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick."

John specifically refers to these signs as the healing of the sick; and these signs are what led these people to follow, and seek Jesus.

VERSE 3 - "Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples."

Jesus would have been traveling eastward, so the mountain mentioned would be in what is now the Golan Heights, bordering Syria.

And there He sat with His disciples.

VERSE 4 - "Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand."

Regarding chronological order:

Our last study 'the Pool of Bethesda' is believed to have been during the "Feast of Tabernacles', if so, the feeding of the five thousand would have been approximately six months later.

This Passover is thought to be one year later than the one we studied in John 2:13 where Jesus cleansed the temple.

So again, here He was sitting with His disciples on this mountain,

And verses 5-6:

VERSES 5-6 - "Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat? He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do."

So why would He ask Philip this question? (can't you just see Jesus setting this up)

He certainly knew that in the practical sense there was no good way to feed this many people in this remote area, but perhaps it was because Philip lived nearby (in Bethsaida) that He chose to ask him the question.

Jesus was often called Master, Rabbi, or Teacher; In addition to the teaching and working miracles, for most of the three and a half years of His ministry He was also preparing and training His disciples for the ministry. They were receiving an accelerated course in the New Testament doctrine for their future ministry.

Philip and the other disciples, were about to receive a new lesson.

So, in verse 7:

VERSE 7 - "Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii[a] would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little." (dih-NEHR-ih-igh)

Philip gave a practical 'common sense' answer, didn't he. "Two hundred denarii" was what some have figured out to be the equivalent of 200 days meager earnings in his time. (maybe equal to our minimum wage nowadays?)

Then Andrew spoke up,

VERSES 8-9 - "One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9"There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?"

(Fish and bread were staples, few people could afford meat)

Andrew took the same view as Philip' the only difference is that he knew of someone who had a little food.

The only response from Jesus was:

VERSE 10 - "Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number."

So this mountain had grass, which had to make a better seat than the rocks that are typical for that area.

John says there were about five thousand men, but the Greek term used here is gender specific, meaning that only the men were usually numbered, so the whole crowd, including men, women and children, could have been four times that number.

To put this in context:This crowd was nearly as large as was the capacity of the largest theaters in the major cities of that time, (such as Ephesus). The seating capacity of the Roman coliseum was between 50,000-70,000, probably the largest in the world.

So, that's a lot of hungry people isn't it?

But verse 11 says:

VERSE 11 - "Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks he distributed them to those who were seated; also the fish, and as much as they wanted."

Jesus accepted these loaves from the boy and gave thanks for them. It was customary among the Jew to give thanks before and after the meal.

VERSE 12 - "And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost."

So this wasn't a symbolic meal, or even a snack, it was a full meal, and they collected the leftovers. Even though Jesus could miraculously reproduce this food, He gathered it up, so that it wouldn't be wasted.

VERSE 13 - "So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten."

Twelves baskets full is more than they started with.

And there were 12 baskets of fragments left-over. Again, others who have studied the references see the number of baskets "12" as being significant, or relative to the 12 tribes of Israel in the desert.

Maybe it is, what do you think? Twelve baskets - Twelve tribes, Moses feeding people - Jesus feeding people. Bible scripture is intensely connected

It's amazing how the scriptures are so associated, that they tie events together that are sometimes hundreds of years apart. In this case it would have been over 1400 years ago, (between 1440 and 1400) were the years of the exodus and wandering in the desert.

That's so interesting, isn't it!

So, in verse 14:

VERSE 14 - "When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, "This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!"

They said, "This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!" and they were right.

what they were referring to was the scripture in DT. 18:15 where Moses was prophesying to the people: "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen..."

(Moses had told them there would be a prophet like himself)

Then they began to follow Jesus hoping for more free food.

But, wasn't that a natural thing for them to do? They saw Jesus do what appeared to them to be the same thing Moses had done. (actually it was God)

These people had recognized Jesus as being the one in Moses' prophesy, and were hopeing to secure a constant supply of food through Him as their forefathers had through Moses.

8. Relate Jesus statement that He is the "bread of life" to the Old Testament "manna". Jesus is the Bread of Life. Just as bread nourishes our physical bodies, Jesus gives and sustains eternal life to all believers.

The day after He had miraculously fed five thousand men, the Jews sought Him eagerly, but their motives were all wrong. They only cared about physical needs. Jesus tells them that He came down from heaven to give eternal life, and that they could have this life by believing in Him. “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).

Jesus explains the sense of the entire passage when He says, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63). By faith we partake of Christ, and the benefits of His bodily sacrifice on the cross and the merits of His shed blood, receiving and enjoying eternal life. It is clear that the Old Testament "foretells" the New Testament, and that the New Testament "fulfills" the Old Testament. Exodus 16 tells us that the Lord sent the manna from heaven every morning, (except on the Sabbath). The people were then responsible for going out and collecting what the Lord had provided for them each day, it could not be saved up, (except for the day before the Sabbath).  It took some daily effort on their part, but this interaction is what sustained them.

Jesus says in John 6:35, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."

In both cases we see God supplying for people, but we also see that each person is then responsible for collecting, or accepting what the Lord has provided.

9. Explain the statement "this is a hard saying", John 6:60.

Many were attracted to Jesus because he offered them something irresitible -- God's loving-kindness and mercy made manifest in his wonderful works of healing, deliverance, and miraculous feeding of the five thousand. Despitee these signs, many stumbled, when Jesus made divine claims. Jesus' discourse on "eating his flesh and drinking his blood" (see John 6:51-59) which pointed to the Last Supper, caused offence to many of his followers. Jesus claimed to be the very life of God come down from heaven and that no one could live this life without submitting to him. Even the apostles admitted that this was a "hard saying".  This expression meant that it was not just hard to understand, but hard to accept.  Jesus pressed the issue with his beloved disciples because he wanted to test their faith and loyalty. Jesus assures his disciples that it is his heavenly Father who invites and who gives the grace to follow even in the "hard sayings".  Jesus knew that some would not only reject him and his word, but would do so hostily, even betraying him to his enemies.

Real faith seeks understanding.  That is why God gives us the help of the Holy Spirit to enlighten the eyes of our mind to understand his truth and wisdom (Ephes. 1:17-18). Jesus offers his life-giving word and Spirit to those who believe and who submit to his authority.  Peter’s profession of loyalty was based on a personal relationship with Jesus.  Through the gift of faith Peter knew that Jesus was the Messiah, the Holy One of God, and he believed in his words. Faith is a response to God's revelation. It's the key to seeing God work in our lives with power. 

10. Compare Peter's response in John 6:66-69 to his response in Matthew 16:13-16.

In John 6:66-71 When we admit into our minds hard thoughts of the words and works of Jesus, we enter into temptation, which, if the Lord in mercy prevent not, will end in drawing back. The corrupt and wicked heart of man often makes that an occasion for offence, which is matter of the greatest comfort. Our Lord had, in the foregoing discourse, promised eternal life to his followers; the disciples fastened on that plain saying, and resolved to cleave to him, when others fastened on hard sayings, and forsook him. Christ's doctrine is the word of eternal life, therefore we must live and die by it. If we forsake Christ, we forsake our own mercies. They believed that this Jesus was the Messiah promised to their fathers, the Son of the living God. When we are tempted to backslide or turn away, it is good to remember first principles, and to keep to them. And let us ever remember our Lord's searching question; Shall we go away and forsake our Redeemer? To whom can we go? He alone can give salvation by the forgiveness of sins. And this alone brings confidence, comfort, and joy, and bids fear and despondency flee away. It gains the only solid happiness in this world, and opens a way to the happiness of the next.

In Mathew16:13-20 Peter, for himself and his brethren, said that they were assured of our Lord's being the promised Messiah, the Son of the living God. This showed that they believed Jesus to be more than man. Our Lord declared Peter to be blessed, as the teaching of God made him differ from his unbelieving countrymen. Christ added that he had named him Peter, in allusion to his stability or firmness in professing the truth. The word translated rock, is not the same word as Peter, but is of a similar meaning. Nothing can be more wrong than to suppose that Christ meant the person of Peter was the rock. Without doubt Christ himself is the Rock, the tried foundation of the church; and woe to him that attempts to lay any other! Peter's confession is this rock as to doctrine. If Jesus be not the Christ, those that own him are not of the church, but deceivers and deceived. Our Lord next declared the authority with which Peter would be invested. He spoke in the name of his brethren, and this related to them as well as to him. They had no certain knowledge of the characters of men, and were liable to mistakes and sins in their own conduct; but they were kept from error in stating the way of acceptance and salvation, the rule of obedience, the believer's character and experience, and the final doom of unbelievers and hypocrites. In such matters their decision was right, and it was confirmed in heaven. But all pretensions of any man, either to absolve or retain men's sins, are blasphemous and absurd. None can forgive sins but God only. And this binding and loosing, in the common language of the Jews, signified to forbid and to allow, or to teach what is lawful or unlawful.