Lesson 8.Fulfilling Old Testament Prophecies
Jesus Christ: The Fulfillment of Divine Promises

The Bible is a single, grand testimony of God’s plan of redemption, which runs from the very beginning and finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Lesson 8 invites us to discover the connection between Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in the New Testament. It demonstrates how precisely and wonderfully God’s promises were realized in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

The scriptures we examine in this lesson illustrate that Jesus is the promised Messiah announced by the prophets. It becomes evident how deeply His work is rooted in God’s plan—a plan that brings us salvation and hope. At the same time, this lesson poses the question: Do we recognize Jesus in our lives as the one God sent to save the world? And how can we anchor this understanding in our faith and daily lives?

Through the study of this lesson, we are encouraged to recognize God’s faithfulness to His promises, strengthen our trust in the reliability of Scripture, and celebrate Jesus as the center of God’s plan.

8.1 Signs, Works, and Wonders
Evidence of the Messiah

Read John 5:17, 20, 36–38. How do these verses describe the relationship between Jesus and God the Father, especially in connection with the signs?

The signs, works, and miracles of Jesus, as particularly described in the Gospel of John, are of central importance in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. John emphasizes that these miracles were not merely demonstrations of power but held a deeper significance: they were evidence of Jesus’ divine origin and His close relationship with the Father.

John 5:17, 20, 36–38 clarifies that Jesus’ works originate directly from God the Father. Jesus did not perform miracles on His own authority but acted in perfect unity with the Father’s will. These works demonstrated that Jesus was God’s envoy and that “the Father is in me, and I am in the Father” (John 10:38). Thus, the signs are expressions of a divine authority that far surpasses what even the greatest prophets or miracle workers could achieve.

Despite these signs, the unbelief of many people persisted. The religious leaders repeatedly sought excuses to condemn Jesus. His clear statement of being the Messiah would have provided them with a reason to publicly attack Him. Instead, Jesus pointed to His works performed in the Father’s name (John 10:24–25). These works were not just acts of mercy or power but evidence that the Father Himself was working through Jesus.

Jesus’ strategy of bearing witness through His works demonstrates profound wisdom. While words could easily be dismissed or twisted, miracles were tangible realities that could not be so easily denied. They called people to a decision: either acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah sent by God or close themselves off to the truth despite the obvious evidence.

Conclusion

Jesus’ signs, works, and miracles were inseparably linked to His mission. They revealed not only His divine power but also His close connection to the Father. Through these acts, the world could recognize that Jesus was the Messiah. Yet, even these signs were not enough to convince everyone’s hearts—a reminder that faith ultimately remains a personal decision based on openness and willingness to accept the truth.

How Can We Protect Ourselves from Having a Hardened Heart Like These Religious Leaders? How Might We Be Fighting Against God’s Work in Our Lives?

To avoid having a hardened heart and remain open to God’s work, we can adopt the following principles and behaviors:

1.Adopt a Humble Attitude
The religious leaders were often characterized by pride and self-righteousness. They believed they already knew everything about God and thus closed themselves off to His revelation in Jesus. To avoid similar behavior, we should always remember that we have limited knowledge and understanding. Humility opens our hearts to God’s guidance.

Practical Application:

• Daily prayer for a humble heart and willingness to learn from God.

• Regular self-examination: “Am I willing to examine my views and beliefs when God shows me something new?”

2.Study God’s Word Seriously
The religious leaders knew the Scriptures but often misinterpreted or misused them to pursue their own agendas. An open heart arises from sincere study of the Bible, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth to us.

Practical Application:

• Bible study focused on understanding God’s character and His will.

• Understanding scripture in its context rather than using it for personal purposes.

• Focusing on God’s love and grace that permeates the entire Scripture.

3.Guard Against Spiritual Blindness
The religious leaders saw Jesus’ works but could not recognize their significance. This blindness resulted from prejudices and incorrect expectations. We must ask ourselves: Are there areas where we want God to work only in a specific way?

Practical Application:

• Letting go of prejudices and allowing God the freedom to work in our lives as He sees fit.

• Asking God for spiritual sight: “Lord, open my eyes to what You are doing.”

4.Obey God’s Word
A hardened heart often arises when we consciously ignore what God has already told us. Resisting His will leads us to become increasingly deaf to His voice.

Practical Application:

• Practicing obedience in small steps—responding when God shows us something.

• Regular reflection: “Where might I be resisting God’s guidance?”

5.Seek Fellowship with Other Believers
The religious leaders often lived in a closed system that reinforced each other and excluded outside perspectives. A healthy community can help prevent a hardened heart.

Practical Application:

• Engaging with other Christians to gain different perspectives.

• Allowing ourselves to be encouraged and corrected by others.

6.Ask the Holy Spirit for Help
Ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit who softens our hearts. Without His help, we can remain trapped in our mistakes, prejudices, and pride.

Practical Application:

• Daily prayer: “Holy Spirit, show me where I am resisting Your work and change my heart.”

• Consciously recognizing and responding to God’s work in everyday life.

Question About Personal Resistance

We might fight against God’s work if we:

• Fear losing control over our lives.

• Are unwilling to let go of old habits or sins.

• Do not want to face the changes God demands from us.

Steps to Change:

• Identify where in our lives we have said “no” to God.

• Take courageous steps toward change, trusting that God will sustain us.

A soft, obedient heart arises through humility, openness, and an active relationship with God. When we consciously adopt this attitude, we can better recognize God’s work and entrust ourselves to Him.

The Connection Between Jesus’ Signs, Works, and Miracles and Our Daily Lives and Faith Lies in How We Recognize, Respond to, and Integrate God’s Presence and Work into Our Decisions and Relationships. Here are Some Key Aspects of How This Connection Becomes Practical:

1.Faith in Daily Life as a Response to God’s Signs
Jesus’ signs and miracles demonstrated His divine origin and mission to save people. Similarly, we experience God’s work today—whether through answered prayers, protection, healings, or spiritual insights. These experiences call us to trust God and act accordingly in our daily lives.

Practical Connection:

• Acknowledge that God works in both small and large matters of life—for example, in preservation, provision, or unexpected help.

• Take steps of faith: Make decisions that reflect God’s will, even when they seem difficult.

2.Trusting God’s Guidance Despite Doubts
Many people in Jesus’ time did not recognize the significance of His miracles or refused to believe. We, too, may experience doubt in our daily lives, especially when God’s actions do not meet our expectations. Here, we must trust in His nature and promises.

Practical Connection:

• Ask God in prayer for trust when circumstances are unclear.

• Remind ourselves in difficult times how God has guided us in the past.

3.Sharing Signs of Love and Mercy
Jesus’ works demonstrated not only His power but also His love and mercy. We are called to emulate these qualities in our daily lives—through our actions, words, and decisions.

Practical Connection:

• Help others as Jesus helped people through His miracles—whether through support, compassion, or practical assistance.

• Reflect Jesus’ love in conflict situations by forgoing revenge and instead practicing forgiveness.

4.Recognizing and Implementing God’s Will
Jesus’ miracles were expressions of His obedience to the Father. We are also called to seek and obey God’s will, even when it involves personal sacrifices.

Practical Connection:

• Seek God’s will through prayer and Bible study before making significant decisions.

• Be obedient in small things, such as honesty in work, patience with others, or showing generosity.

5.Living as a Sign of Unity with God in Daily Life
Jesus’ miracles demonstrated His unity with the Father. We can also experience this unity by living in a close relationship with God and allowing His Spirit to guide our daily lives.

Practical Connection:

• Start each day with God, for example, through prayer and reflection to adopt His perspective.

• Regularly pause to ask: “Does my behavior reflect God’s love and truth?”

6.Gratitude and Worship as a Response to God’s Works
Jesus’ signs call us to worship and gratitude. In our lives, there are many “signs”—from creation to personal experiences—that give us reasons to be thankful.

Practical Connection:

• Take a moment each day to thank God for His visible and invisible works.

• Consciously recognize His miracles in nature, in community with others, or in the fulfillment of prayers.

7.Being a Testimony to Others
Jesus’ signs were a testimony to His divine mission. Similarly, we can testify through our lives and faith so that others recognize God’s reality.

Practical Connection:

• Share personal faith experiences with others to encourage them.

• Witness to God’s love and truth through our actions, especially to those who do not know Him.

Conclusion

Jesus’ signs, works, and miracles remind us that our faith is not merely theoretical but must be lived out practically in daily life. They challenge us to respond to God’s work, trust Him, and reflect His nature in our actions. By recognizing God’s signs, trusting in them, and sharing them in our lives, our faith becomes a living force that transforms our lives and the lives of others.

An open heart for God’s work allows us to recognize His miracles in daily life and become a blessing to others.

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