Lesson 10.The Way, the Truth, and the Life
Jesus: The Way to Redemption and the Source of Divine Truth
In Lesson 10, the words of Jesus from John 14:6 are central: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This statement is not only one of Jesus’ most profound revelations, but it also contains answers to the most important questions of human life: How do we find God? What is truth? And what gives our lives meaning and purpose?
Through this lesson, we discover:
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Jesus as the Way, leading us to God and providing direction in our faith.
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Jesus as the Truth, which liberates us, offers clarity, and provides stability in a world full of uncertainties.
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Jesus as the Life, giving us not only hope for eternity but also fulfilling and renewing our daily lives.
This lesson invites us to recognize Jesus as the center of our faith and life, to value the Bible as a living testimony to Him, and to place our trust in Him. It challenges us to understand the connection between His claim and our everyday lives and inspires us to shape our lives in His truth and love.
10.1 I Have Given You an Example
Humility and Service: Jesus’ Legacy to His Followers
Read John 13:1–20. What happened here and why is this event very important? What teachings did Jesus intend to convey?
The Foot Washing by Jesus in John 13:1–20 is a powerful symbol of humility, servanthood, and the true nature of Christian leadership. In this act, Jesus not only shows His love for the disciples but also sets a standard for what it means to follow His example.
The Act of Jesus: A Profound Symbol
At that time, foot washing was a task for servants, typically carrying no significance or honor. Jesus, the Master and Lord, takes on this task Himself. His action turns the usual social order upside down: the one who was to be served serves the others. John reports this in detailed form to emphasize the radical message of Jesus’ humility and love.
The Meaning of Foot Washing
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Symbol of Cleansing: Jesus emphasizes that foot washing has a spiritual significance. It points to the cleansing from sin that is only possible through Him. Peter’s initial refusal to accept the foot washing illustrates that even the disciples were to understand the deeper meaning later.
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Teaching of Humility: Through His action, Jesus teaches that true greatness lies in serving others. In John 13:14, He urges His disciples to follow this example. The act of foot washing is therefore more than a one-time event; it is an enduring lesson that clarifies the relationship between discipleship, humility, and love.
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Preparation for Mission: Jesus’ actions call for selfless service to others, regardless of one’s own status or authority. The disciples should understand that their future mission should be marked not by power or prestige, but by serving love.
Jesus’ Example and Contemporary Practice
In the Adventist Church, foot washing is celebrated as the “Rite of Humility,” a conscious imitation of Jesus’ example. It serves not only as preparation for the Lord’s Supper but also as a reminder of how we should interact within our community: with love, humility, and a willingness to serve.
Conclusion
In John 13:1–20, Jesus demonstrates that true leadership and greatness consist of humbling oneself and serving others. His example is a model for every Christian called to live not only words but also acts of love and humility. Jesus’ words, “I have set an example for you,” challenge us to emulate His example in daily life and put the meaning of service into practice.
What does the Rite of Humility teach you about following in Jesus’ footsteps and serving others humbly?
The Rite of Humility teaches me how to live Jesus’ example in everyday life and serve others with love and humility. It imparts several key lessons:
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True Greatness is in Serving Others
The rite reminds us that true greatness is not in power, status, or authority, but in the ability to serve others with a humble heart. Like Jesus, who took on the lowest task, I am called to embrace even the small, often unnoticed services that bless and support others.
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Humility is the Foundation of Christian Community
The act of foot washing symbolizes the willingness to lay down pride and accept others in their needs. It challenges me to set aside my own desires and opinions and focus on the needs of others. Humility is not a sign of weakness but of spiritual strength.
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Forgiveness and Cleansing as the Core of Service
Jesus used foot washing to point to the spiritual cleansing made possible through His death. The rite teaches me to be ready to forgive others and seek reconciliation in my attitude. Serving often means helping others carry their burdens and making God’s love tangible.
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Putting Practical Love into Action
Service is more than good intentions or words—it requires concrete actions. The rite encourages me to actively seek ways to help others, to encourage them, and to support them with practical love, whether through time, resources, or compassion.
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Equality in the Community
The Rite of Humility reminds us that all members of the Christian community are equal—no one is too great to serve, and no one is too small to be served. This awareness challenges me to respect and value others regardless of their status or role.
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Discipleship as Daily Service
Jesus says in John 13:15, “I have set an example for you, that you should do as I have done for you.” The rite challenges me to show this attitude not only in a symbolic act but to look for daily opportunities to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and become a humble servant in my environment.
Conclusion
The Rite of Humility is a constant reminder of how I can follow in Jesus’ footsteps: by serving lovingly, selflessly, and without expectations. It is an invitation to continually examine my heart and, through my actions, show others the character of Jesus.
The Rite of Humility, as depicted in Jesus’ foot washing, holds deep significance for our daily lives and our faith. It reminds us that following Jesus is not a theoretical idea but is put into practice through practical, loving, and selfless actions. The connection is evident in several dimensions:
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Daily Life: Humility in Our Relationships
In daily life, the rite calls us to approach one another with humility. This means:
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Respect and Appreciation: No one is too great or too important to help others. Likewise, no one is too small to be served. This calls us to show mutual respect in all relationships—family, work, friendships.
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Servant Attitude: In our fast-paced world, we often tend to think first of ourselves. The rite teaches us to consciously recognize the needs of others and ask, “How can I help you?”
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Faith: Following Jesus
Belief in Jesus calls us to follow His example. This means:
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Active Discipleship: Being a Christian is not only about professing faith but also about living as Jesus lived—through loving service.
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Humility as the Core of Faith: The rite shows that true greatness lies in serving and challenges us to substantiate our beliefs through practical acts of love.
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Daily Life: Forgiveness and Reconciliation
The rite points to the cleansing from sin. In daily life, this means:
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Learning to Forgive: The act of foot washing calls for resolving conflicts and approaching others with a reconciled heart.
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Sharing Burdens: Just as Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, we should be willing to help others carry their burdens and support them in difficult times.
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Faith: Preparation for Mission
The rite prepares us to share the Gospel through our lifestyle:
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Love in Action: Christian service becomes visible through concrete actions, as Jesus demonstrated. This means helping people in their need, whether through practical assistance or spiritual support.
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Testimony of Humility: A life characterized by humility and service is a powerful testimony of faith.
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Daily Life: Strengthening Community
In a world often marked by selfishness and competition, the rite teaches us:
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Unity and Equality: The rite highlights the equality of all. Whether a leader or an employee, everyone is called to serve one another and live in community.
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Helping Without Expectation: Humility means helping without expecting anything in return. This principle can be practiced in friendships, families, and communities.
Conclusion: A Life of Service
Jesus’ foot washing is an invitation to adopt a servant attitude in both daily life and faith. It involves:
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Living Out Love and Humility in All Areas of Life
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Overcoming Conflicts Through Forgiveness
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Making Faith Visible Through Practical Acts
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Strengthening Our Relationships Through Respect and Helpfulness
The Rite of Humility shows that living in Jesus’ footsteps is not a one-time act but a continuous process of change—a process that brings us closer to God and our fellow human beings.
True greatness is shown in humble service and love for others.
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