SERMON NOTES OUTLINE (ADULT VERSION)

Series: Who Is Jesus?

Sermon Title: The Last Miracle — The Prayer That Holds Us

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I. Jesus Is Eternal God Who Entered Time

Key Scriptures

• John 1:1–3, 14 (KJV)

• Genesis 1:1 (KJV)

• Colossians 1:16–17 (KJV)

Exegetical Notes

• “In the beginning” (John 1:1) deliberately echoes Genesis 1:1, identifying Jesus (the Word, Logos) as pre-existent and co-creator.

• The Greek Logos signifies divine reason, creative order, and self-expression of God.

• John 1:14 (“dwelt among us”) uses eskēnōsen (“tabernacled”), indicating God’s intentional dwelling with humanity, not temporary visitation.

Theological Emphasis

• Jesus is not created; He is Creator.

• Incarnation is God entering history without surrendering divinity.

Life Application

• If Jesus created life, He has authority over your life.

• Faith requires submission, not consultation.

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II. Jesus Revealed the Father Through Word and Works (John 1–16)

Key Scriptures

• John 4:13–14 – Living Water

• John 6:35 – Bread of Life

• John 8:58 – “I AM”

• John 10:30 – Unity with the Father

• John 14:6–11 – Way, Truth, Life

Exegetical Notes

• Jesus’ “I AM” statements directly connect to Exodus 3:14 (Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh).

• John structures the Gospel around signs and discourses to reveal Jesus’ divine identity.

• Miracles are not displays of power only, but revelations of who He is.

Life Application

• Jesus is not merely a moral teacher—He demands belief.

• Knowing Jesus means aligning life with His truth.

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III. Jesus the High Priest: He Prayed for Us (John 17)

Key Scriptures

• John 17:1–5 – Pre-existence and glory

• John 17:9–11 – Protection of believers

• John 17:20–23 – Prayer for future believers

Exegetical Notes

• John 17 functions as Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, echoing Levitical intercession (cf. Leviticus 16).

• Jesus prays not only for the disciples present but for all future believers.

• Unity (hen) reflects shared divine life, not uniformity.

Theological Emphasis

• Jesus intercedes before the cross and continues after it (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).

Life Application

• You are sustained by Christ’s prayer, not your performance.

• Christian unity is spiritual, not organizational.

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IV. The Last Miracle: Mercy Over Violence

Key Scriptures

• Luke 22:50–51 (KJV)

• John 18:4–11 (KJV)

• Matthew 26:52–53 (KJV)

Exegetical Notes

• Malchus represents the oppressive religious system.

• Healing the ear symbolizes restoration of hearing—even to enemies.

• Jesus demonstrates kingdom ethics: power restrained by love.

Life Application

• Disciples are called to healing, not retaliation.

• Christlike power expresses mercy, not domination.

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V. Completion, Resurrection, and Confession

Key Scriptures

• John 19:30 – “It is finished”

• John 20:27–29 – Thomas’ confession

• Revelation 1:17–18

Exegetical Notes

• Tetelestai (“It is finished”) is a commercial/legal term meaning paid in full.

• Thomas’ confession (“My Lord and my God”) is the climax of John’s Christology.

Life Application

• Salvation is complete; discipleship is our response.

• Faith leads to worship and obedience.

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Suggested Scholarly Resources (Adult Study)

• Köstenberger, A. J. John (Baker Exegetical Commentary)

• Keener, C. S. The Gospel of John

• Carson, D. A. The Gospel According to John

• Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Victory of God

• Hebrews 7; Romans 8 (intercessory theology)

SERMON NOTES OUTLINE (YOUTH VERSION)

Title: Jesus Knew You Before You Knew Him

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I. Jesus Was There Before Everything

Scriptures

• John 1:1–3

• Genesis 1:1

Big Idea

Jesus didn’t start at Christmas—He started before creation.

Application

• Your life is not random.

• God knew you before you were born.

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II. Jesus Showed Us Who God Is

Scriptures

• John 6:35

• John 10:10

• John 14:6

Big Idea

Jesus didn’t just talk about God—He showed us God.

Application

• Follow Jesus to know how to live.

• His way leads to real life.

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III. Jesus Prayed for You

Scripture

• John 17:20

Big Idea

Jesus prayed for people who hadn’t been born yet—that includes you.

Application

• You matter to God.

• You are not alone when life is hard.

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IV. Jesus Healed His Enemy

Scriptures

• Luke 22:50–51

• Matthew 5:44

Big Idea

Jesus chose love instead of revenge.

Application

• Choose peace even when you’re hurt.

• Healing others reflects Jesus.

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V. Jesus Finished the Work

Scriptures

• John 19:30

• John 20:28

Big Idea

Jesus paid for our sins and rose again.

Application

• Trust Him.

• Live like someone who is forgiven.

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Youth Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean that Jesus prayed for you?

2. Why is it hard to choose forgiveness?

3. How can you show Jesus’ love at school or home?

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Suggested Youth Resources

• BibleProject: John Overview

• YouVersion Reading Plan: Who Is Jesus?

• Hebrews 4:14–16 (Jesus our High Priest)