Tag: John 8
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!
Writing in the dust!
Scripture reading for April 15th: John 8
Key scriptures for over-comers: John 8:4-8 “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do You say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with His finger. When they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her. Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.”
The religious leaders were zealous for the law and tried to obey every letter. But their hearts were hard. They could see the sins of other, but neglected their own glaring faults. After catching this woman in the act of adultery, they tested Jesus. (Where was the man?!) Jesus bent down to write on the ground with His finger. It does not say what He wrote. It may have been their names and the secret sins they were guilty of. His simple answer, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her,” stopped them in their tracks. When He looked up again, they were all gone except the woman! He showed her mercy and warned her to sin no more!
Observations for over-comers: Be slow to judge others and condemn them. Look in the mirror of God’s word and apply it to your own heart first! “O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who forsake You will be put to shame. Those who turn away from You will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the Lord, the spring of living water.” (Jeremiah 17:13)
Holding to Jesus’ teaching!
Scripture reading for April 16th: John 8
Many people start out with zeal for Jesus and His teachings, but after a time grow weary, fall away or run away from truly following Him. They want to ‘try it out’, and when it doesn’t make them feel good any longer they go on to try something else. Jesus gave further instructions to His disciples to help them find a deeper connection.
“To the Jews who had believed in Him, Jesus said, “If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8:31-32) True disciples are those who hold firmly to the teaching of Jesus. They do not waver or shrink back when the teaching goes against their beliefs or their fleshly desires. They do not compromise or look for something newer or more appealing, but hold fast in faith and practice.
The Jews answered Him, “”We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can You say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed.”” (John 8:34-36) As Jesus patiently explained the truth that all were slaves of sin and that being a descendant of Abraham did not make you free, the Jews became offended with Jesus’ teaching. They mistakenly thought that having the right ancestor made them “God’s children.” They had trouble holding to His teaching and finding the truth that would free them! Many today assume they are automatically ‘God’s children’ and don’t have to repent of sin! Has the Son of God made you “free indeed?”