Week 10 - Son of God
This week in summary| Day 1 : Seven Signs, Seven Speeches | John 8 |
| Day 2 : Son of God | John 9 |
| Day 3 : Persecuted | John 10 |
| Day 4 : Blessing | John 11-12 |
| Day 5 : Faith with Feet | John 13-14 |
Seven Signs, Seven Speeches
The first half of John’s biography of Jesus is built around seven signs (miracles) and seven speeches. The signs and the speeches seem to be related to each other; the discourses speak of various powers the Savior has that are necessary in helping each child of our Heavenly Father to gain eternal life and the signs of miracles confirm that the Savior has those powers. How does each sign complement each message?
1) Transformation
Sign Water converted to wine (John 2:1-11)
Speech The natural man converted to the spiritual man (John 3:1-21)
2) Life beyond Death
Sign Bringing life to the nobleman’s son (John 4:46-54)
Speech The living water that brings everlasting life (John 4:1-41)
3) The Sabbath and Morals
Sign Healing the invalid on the Sabbath (John 5:1-18)
Speech Christ is Lord of the Sabbath (John 5:19-47)
4) The Great Provider
Sign Feeding the multitude with Bread (John 6:1-15)
Speech Christ is the Bread of Life (John 6:22-66)
5) Water and Divinity
Sign Jesus walks on water (John 6:12-21)
Speech Christ will walk into the presence of the Father, offering living water to all (John 7:14-39)
6) Sight
Sign Healing of the man born blind (John 9)
Speech Jesus is the Light of the world (John 8:12-59)
7) Resurrection and Sacrifice
Sign Raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11)
Speech The Good Shepherd, lays down His life for His sheep that He might bring about the resurrection (John 10:1-18)
As you read each section describe below how does each sign compliments Jesus’ messages?
1 Transformation (ch 2-3)
2 Life beyond Death (ch 4)
3 The Sabbath and Morals (ch 5)
4 The Great Provider (ch 6)
5 Water and Divinity (ch 6-7)
6 Sight (ch 8-9)
7 Resurrection and Sacrifice (ch 10-11)
Son of God
Israel generally had two types of kings. One kind was chosen by God and the nation prospered. The other type of king was chosen by someone other than God and things didn’t go so well. When God choose a king He sent a prophet to endorse the man. The prophet would show the endorsement by anointing the new king. This process of endorsement by anointing was called “Messiah” or “Christ.” This is exactly what we see between the Jesus and the prophet John the Baptist and at the Jordan River. (Matthew 3)
Surprisingly when God endorsed a King, he was also given a figurative title “Son of God.” (2 Samuel 7:14 & Psalms 89) “Son of God” was a title used by the King of Israel who was chosen by a prophet of God. To Jesus’ audience “Christ” and “Son of God” meant the same thing that is – God’s chosen King.
When Jesus asked Peter what He believed, Peter’s responded “Jesus, you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” It is unlikely that Peter meant “you are the messiah and the divine son of God.” Peter was likely using a repetitious synonym to add emphasis.
Put simply when Jews in Jesus’ time said “Son of God,” it was a statement about royalty not divinity.
But John the disciple isn’t like most Jews. He uses this title “Son of God” as one of many ways to describe Jesus’s divinity. Not only does John believe that Jesus is divine, most of the stories in his biography point out this fact. A fact we will explore in detail later. John doesn’t want you to get the idea that Jesus is just the latest “son of God” king of Israel. This Son of God is uniquely different. John describes Jesus as the “only” son, and he consistently refers to God as Jesus’ personal father.
John wants to be completely clear so that there is no doubt in the mind of his fellow Jewish readers that Jesus is fully human and fully God.
“The Word became a human being and lived here with us. We saw his true glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father.” John 1:14
Salt of the Earth
You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
Salt enhances the flavor of food. It is the most universally recognizable seasoning. So when Jesus says we are like salt, we should add desirable flavor to humanity. The world should be a better place to live because we are here. Jesus calls us to have a positive effect on the world.
In the days before refrigeration salt was also used to preserve food. The salt made it difficult for bacteria to grow. Salted meat was healthier. We are to stand opposed to the forces that try to destroy humanity. Jesus calls us to stand against oppression, against the things that separate us from He who gives us value.
Salt can lose its saltiness when it is mixed with other substances. The more junk mixed with it, the less effective the salt. Salt was a valuable commodity in Jesus day but its usefulness was limited by its purity. Jesus calls us to be focused and dedicated to preserving and enhancing the world. You are the Salt of the Earth.
How do you have a positive effect on the world?
How do you stand against the forces that separate us from God?
What ‘unsalty’ junk is mixed in your life?
Blessing Your Neighbors
Pray with your Family - Remember your neighbors by name during mealtime and bedtime prayers.
Prayer Walk - Walk by yourself or with family, roommates, and other neighbors who are believers. Pray over each home by name as you pass and ask God for opportunities with your neighbors.
Ask Open-ended Questions - How long have you lived here? What line of work are you in? What do you do for fun?
Ask Follow-up Questions - How did that test go? Are you feeling better? How was your vacation?
Enjoy a Meal Together - Invite a neighbor (or two) for a BBQ, order in Pizza, or have everyone bring a dessert to share.
Celebrate Special Occasions and Holidays - Bake cupcakes for birthdays. Send a casserole to new parents. Deliver Christmas cookies.
Serve While You’re Outside - Turn lawn chores into opportunities to serve: Mow lawns, water yards, etc.
Serve In Times of Need - Visit when a neighbor passes away or has a baby. Deliver flowers or a gift. Coordinate meals with other neighbors.
Share Commonalities - Hobbies such as golf, book club, bunko night, or a running/fitness group can all bring people together.
Socialize and Make Holidays Special - Enjoy recreational areas. Participate in yard sales and BBQs. Attend holiday parties.
Faith with Feet
Based on John 8-14 What do you believe God wants you to do?
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What have you learned about God’s heart & values?
How did Jesus follow God’s will?
What changes took place to society?
What parts of this story might apply to you?
Why is this story important for someone like you?