In “John 1:29-51”-Lesson 2, taught by Joy Welsh, we explore the “That You May Believe” Bible study series. This video, presented by Refuge Calvary Chapel, focuses on the Bible text from John 1:29-51. John the Baptist, in this passage, identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Joy encourages viewers to trust in God during stormy times and emphasizes the importance of personal devotion and meditation. The lesson highlights various events, such as Andrew bringing Simon Peter to Jesus, Philip finding Nathaniel and introducing him to the Messiah, and Nathaniel recognizing Jesus as the Son of God. The call to walk with God and serve others concludes this enlightening lesson, with prayer offered for the nation and upcoming women’s small group sessions.
Lesson 2 of the “That You May Believe” Bible study series by Joy Welsh
In Lesson 2, we continue our exploration of the book of John, specifically focusing on John 1:29-51. The video source for this lesson is Refuge Calvary Chapel.
John the Baptist’s declaration
John the Baptist plays a significant role in this portion of Scripture. He declares Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. John’s recognition of Jesus as the Messiah is crucial in understanding the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity. By pointing out Jesus as the Lamb of God, John is proclaiming that Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice, the one who will take away the sins of the world.
Trust and preparation in difficult times
Through this lesson, Joy reminds us of the importance of trust and preparation, especially in the midst of challenging times. She draws inspiration from Paul’s instruction in Acts 27 to “stay in the ship” during storms. It serves as a powerful reminder not to give up when faced with adversity. Just as Paul and the other passengers trusted in God’s provision and stayed in the ship, we too should trust in God and remain steadfast in our faith during difficult times.
God’s provision and preparation
Joy highlights an example of God’s provision and preparation through the account of the people in Malta. After Paul and the others swam to shore, they were met with kindness and care from the people in Malta. This serves as a reminder that God goes before us and prepares the way. He orchestrates circumstances and places individuals in our lives to provide for our needs and support us.
Importance of personal devotion
A significant emphasis in this lesson is the importance of personal devotion and meditation. Joy encourages us to deepen our relationship with God through personal devotion. Taking time each day to spend with God allows us to grow closer to Him, find peace, and gain wisdom. Personal devotion also strengthens our faith and equips us to navigate the challenges life presents.
Bringing others to Jesus
The lesson also emphasizes the role we play in bringing others to Jesus. Andrew, one of Jesus’ disciples, brings his brother Simon Peter to Jesus. Through this act, we see the importance of sharing our faith and introducing others to Jesus. When we bring others to Jesus, we are inviting them into a transformative relationship and offering them the opportunity to experience His love and salvation.
Recognizing Jesus as the Son of God
In this lesson, Nathaniel recognizes Jesus as the Son of God. When Philip tells Nathaniel that they have found the Messiah, Nathaniel expresses disbelief, questioning if anything good can come from Nazareth. However, when he meets Jesus, Jesus reveals that He saw Nathaniel under the fig tree before Philip called him. This revelation convinces Nathaniel of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God.
Jacob’s ladder and the Son of Man
Jesus refers to Jacob’s ladder from Genesis 28 in his conversation with Nathaniel. He links this vision of the ladder connecting heaven and earth to Himself as the promised Messiah. Jesus declares Himself as the Son of Man, the bridge between heaven and earth. This connection is significant in understanding Jesus’ mission and purpose on earth.
Walking with God and serving others
The lesson concludes with a call to walk with God and serve others. Just as Jacob walked with God and experienced His faithfulness, we are encouraged to walk with God in our daily lives. This walk with God encompasses our relationship with Him, our obedience to His word, and our commitment to serving and loving others. Walking with God and serving others go hand-in-hand, reflecting our love for God and our desire to reflect His character to the world.
Prayer for the nation and women’s small group sessions
Finally, the lesson includes a time of prayer. Joy offers a prayer for the nation, emphasizing the importance of seeking God’s guidance and blessing for our country. Additionally, prayer is specifically lifted for women’s small group sessions, recognizing the value of gathering together for community, growth, and encouragement.
In Lesson 2, we delve into John 1:29-51, gaining insights from Joy Welsh as she leads us through this impactful portion of Scripture. We explore John the Baptist’s declaration, the importance of trust and preparation in difficult times, God’s provision and preparation, the significance of personal devotion, and the roles we play in bringing others to Jesus. We examine Nathaniel’s recognition of Jesus as the Son of God, the connection between Jacob’s ladder and the Son of Man, and the call to walk with God and serve others. The lesson concludes with a time of prayer for the nation and women’s small group sessions. As we engage with Lesson 2, may we be open to the teachings, insights, and challenges it presents, seeking to apply them in our own lives and grow in our faith.