Truth? or Lie?
Scripture reading for April 16: John 8
“Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of My own accord, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear My Word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because no truth is in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”” John 8:42-44
Jesus confronted those religious leaders who were seeking to trap Him and kill Him. As God does nothing by judgment without first warning those in danger, so Jesus spoke plainly and explained to them their deception through Satan’s lies. (Amos 3:7) He plainly told them they were under their father the devil and doing his will. He warned them that the devil was a murderer from the beginning, as Cain killed Abel after the fall of man. They were blind to the light of Jesus and God’s Word because they were under the devil’s fatherhood and lying nature. Their deception was turning them into murderers because of the lie they believed. Only the truth would make them free! (John 8:32, 36)
Jesus taught that when God is our Father, we love Jesus! Jesus came from God as His only Son as One sent on a mission to reveal the Father and His amazing love for mankind. Jesus was sent to the Jews first, descendants of Abraham, but they could not bear to hear Jesus’ Words. They would need to humble themselves and repent of their murderous ways and their pride in clinging to the devil’s lies. They would have to confess and repent to receive God’s Fatherhood. Jesus laid out the Father’s world view to lead them to freedom from the devil’s lies.
Have you ever believed something so strongly that you hated anyone who would threaten that belief? Why was it hard for these religious people to hear Jesus’ plain but convicting truth? In what way was the devil behind the deception? Is this still the case in our modern culture?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sending Jesus as the ‘Light of the World’ to illuminate my heart through the truth of His Word. Thank you for drawing me to true repentance from the lies of the devil. Deliver me from the evil one today for Yours is the Kingdom and glory for ever and ever! Amen!
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