Series JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 9.The Source of Life |
Jesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life |
Lesson 9 leads us to the central truth of the Gospel: Jesus Christ is the source of life, both for creation and for redemption. Through Him, we receive eternal life when we accept Him by faith and allow His word to work in our lives. However, the sad reality shows that many people reject the light and turn instead to darkness, which leads to condemnation. This lesson invites us to cherish the gift of eternal life and to live boldly in faith. By contemplating Jesus’ life and words, we recognize the depth of His love and the magnificent offer of redemption that He makes to each of us.
Memory Text: John 14:6 – “ ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’”
Content:
9.1 In Him Was Life
Eternal Life in the Son: Jesus, the Source of Life
In John 1:4, Jesus is described as the source of all life—both physical life and eternal life. This life that Jesus gives is not only temporally limited but eternal and imperishable. His self-existence as God enables Him to give life, bring redemption, and invite us into fellowship with God. By becoming human and dying for us, Jesus not only revealed the Father’s love but also made the way to a new life available. His life is light in a dark world, illuminating the lost and leading them back to God. Whoever receives Him receives the promise of being a child of God, a life in abundance, and the eternal life that He grants us.
9.2 The Words of Eternal Life
The Words of Eternal Life: A Promise That Changes Everything
Peter’s response in John 6:68 encapsulates the central message of the Gospel: In Jesus alone, we find the words of eternal life. This eternal life is not just a distant future vision but begins here and now, as Jesus gives meaning, hope, and redemption to our earthly existence. His sacrifice and resurrection make Him the source that renews our spiritual life and gives us the promise of new life at His second coming. Eternal life is not an abstract idea but a physical, real experience in the present and in eternity. Faith in Jesus, His words, and His work is the key that opens the way to this promise. This assurance should shape our actions and inspire us to live a life trusting in God’s plan and love.
9.3 Believing and New Birth
Faith and Rebirth: The Way to Becoming God’s Child
In John 1:12–13, the path to rebirth is clearly described: first, we receive Jesus by faith, then He grants us the power to become children of God. This rebirth is a work of the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts and brings us into a living relationship with God. Faith is not merely a human effort but a gift from God, arising through His word and the work of the Spirit. Faith makes us open to God’s light and enables us to accept His word and trust in it. This is the beginning of a new life, carried by the assurance that we have eternal life in Christ. Rebirth through faith leads to a life that grows in trust in God’s love and grace.
9.4 Rejecting the Source of Life
Rejecting the Source of Life: The Loss Through Unbelief
The sad reality that many rejected the light and life that Christ brought runs like a red thread through the Gospel of John. People refused the word of God because they did not accept it and placed doubt instead of trust. This attitude is also evident in the story of the spies in Canaan: ten relied on human calculations and saw only obstacles, while two trusted in God’s promise and gained courage. Rejecting the divine word always leads to loss, while faith in God’s power brings hope and victory. To avoid the error of doubt, we must learn to trust God even when circumstances seem uncertain. At the same time, we should guard against acting presumptively and instead seek God’s will in humility.
9.5 Condemnation
Condemned by Unbelief: Rejecting the Light of Truth
In John 3:18–21, it becomes clear that people are not condemned because of their sins but because they reject the light—Jesus Christ. Whoever turns away from the light chooses darkness and opens themselves up to doubt and deception. This choice is reminiscent of Eve, who questioned God’s word and was deceived by sensory impressions. In contrast, Christ gave absolute priority to the light of God’s word in the wilderness and resisted Satan’s temptations. His example shows how we can face life’s challenges by trusting in God’s word and maintaining a heavenly perspective. Our decisions should be guided by faith, not by human logic or circumstances.
9.6 Summary
Jesus, the Source of Eternal Life
Lesson 9 emphasizes Jesus as the source of life, both for creation and for redemption. He offers us eternal life when we accept Him by faith and submit to His word. However, many rejected the light He brought and chose darkness, which leads to condemnation. The Bible shows that our faith must not be based on human wisdom but on God’s word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, we can receive eternal life and lead a new life in fellowship with God. The lesson calls us to follow the light and place our complete trust in Jesus.
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