The Condemnation of Silence

Lesson #151

In our last lesson we looked at the statement Jesus made about the relationship between keeping his word and never tasting death and then the Jews response implying that to be impossible. In this lesson we will look at the response Jesus makes. “Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’”” (John 8:54 ESV). Here stands Jesus, the Son of God, and he wants no glory for himself because when one seeks his own glory, that glory is nothing. The glory that counts is that which comes from another. Again, we see Jesus submitting to his Father allowing him to glorify Jesus at the appropriate time. How important it is for us to see Jesus as our example and allow God to conform us into that image.

Again, Jesus points out that they do not know God whom they so presumptuously boast about as being their father and they the children of God. Anyone who boast of the name of God apart from the word of God are mere liars. Rooted in the Word, our spirit bears witness who our Father is and like with Jesus that is all that is needed. Jesus is not distracted by anything the Jews throw at him because he is at peace with his Father and that should be the same with us. If we are firmly established with God, through Jesus Christ, then we have no need to get upset over any persecution we might face. I believed this is sealed in the statement: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20 ESV). If we have been born again, then we have been crucified with Christ and then by faith he lives out his life through us. If this is true, then we can also respond as Jesus did to the Jews when we face persecution.

Jesus continues: “But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word” (John 8:55 ESV). Jesus must speak out because silence would be a denial of the truth. Through Jesus, God reveals himself to us and it is through us that we are to reveal Jesus to others. To remain silent, which is a growing tendency in the western church, we are denying the truth that we are God’s children. When a person worships the idols of comfort and safety, as so many western Christians do, it follows that one would remain silent. It is very possible that this silence is evidence that we are not his children after all.

Prayer

Father, this lesson speaks to two major problems facing believers, especially in the west: seeking glory for self and remaining silent when we should be a witness. Father, I know you have been busy over the years reducing my pride to a state of brokenness. It has been a painful process, but the outcome is truly a blessing. Father, you know the hurt I experienced long ago in witnessing and the struggle to again have an effective witness. Thanks for the healing and guidance to a more productive witness. 

He Will Never See Death

Lesson #150

With this lesson we will continue with the conversation Jesus was having with the Pharisees. Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death” (John 8:51 ESV). The Jews have accused Jesus of being birthed from fornication and now having a demon. Jesus simply tells them they are wrong and then adds more about what he can offer one who believes in him. Jesus establishes himself as a standard or a marker for division of all mankind. Those who hear and obey what he is teaching will experience spiritual birth and will never experience eternal death.

Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born again if he is to see the kingdom of God (John3:3). He told the woman of Samaria that he was the source of living water that she needed (John 4:14). In John 5:25, Jesus said, “An hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live” (ESV). In John 6:35, Jesus claims to be the bread of life. In John 8:12, Jesus spoke to the people, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life” (NASB). In John 8:31, 32, 34, Jesus claims power over sin by stating that he can set one free from their sin if they abide in his word. It is, therefore, no surprise when Jesus states, here in verse 51, that anyone who keeps his word will never see spiritual death.

As expected, the unbelieving Jews responded harshly, saying to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death’” (John 8:52 ESV). Without understanding the concept of being born again, what Jesus is saying is contrary to their experience. Physically, they know that everyone dies and so what Jesus is saying makes no sense to them, just like it made no sense to Nicodemus in John 3:4. They then supported their stand by pointing out that great spiritual figures of the past, like Abraham and the prophets died, so then, how can one continue to live by simply keeping your word?

The Jews continue by asking two questions: “Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” (John 8:53 ESV). In their minds, Jesus would have to be greater than Abraham and the prophets, who died, in order to do what he claims and they are convinced beyond any doubt that it is not so. It is no different today. As I share Jesus with people I meet, I find their response very similar to the Jews. I am convinced, from my study of the Scriptures, that for a person to understand what Jesus is saying, their name would have to have been recorded, before the foundation of the world, in the Lambs Book of Life (Revelation 13:8 ESV). Those are the ones the Father is going to adopt as his children and to them he gives spiritual understanding leading up to their spiritual birth. Without being adopted a person will continue to act like these Jews and continue on to eternal destruction, which justice would demand of all of us if it had not been for his mercy, grace and sovereignty.  

Prayer

Father, in this lesson Jesus gives a condition that should be seen as evidence that one has eternal life. I can claim to have eternal life, but if I am not living out the Word of God is it not like what James says, “Faith without works is dead.” I pray that my behavior shows evidence of eternal life and that it in fact draws others to investigate the claims of Jesus.

Knowing the Source of Ones’ Value

Lesson #149

With this lesson we begin the last section of chapter 8, defined by John 8:48 – 59. Conversation between Jesus and the Jews continues from the last section. Jesus made it clear to them that their works clearly show that they are not of God. Again the Jews respond by slandering Jesus: “The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?”” (John 8:48 ESV). Calling Jesus a Samaritan is a very strong charge because the Jews consider the Samaritans to be apostates and those who corrupt the Law.  In trying to think of a more serious crime to charge Jesus with they imply that he is controlled by a demon. As the Jews express their hate for Jesus through their slanderous words and accusing God’s Son of being an evil spirit, I can’t help but wince at the pain they will experience when their time comes to stand in judgment before God and they realize what they had done.

“Jesus answered [them], “I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me”” (John 8:49 ESV). Jesus simply ignores their first charge of being a Samaritan and clears himself of the second charge of having a demon by pointing out who he honors. The doctrine Jesus taught tended to exalt God; he continues to imply that he is holy and true and that men should love and obey him. The way Jesus lived his life before them clearly shows that he does not have an evil spirit and is not influenced by one. Therefore, he honors his Father with his life and since they do not recognize this or accept this, they dishonor him.

Jesus continues: “Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge” (John 8:50 ESV). At no time is our previous study have we ever seen Jesus attempt to exalt or to seek his own glory. Jesus has always been willing to lie under their hateful, evil, slanderous reproach because it in no way depreciates his value of who he is. If our relationship to Jesus was like his relationship to his Father, what people said about us would also have little effect on us. We so often see this in our brothers and sisters who are heavily oppressed by persecution. Jesus knows that his Father stands behind him and will one day glorify him. Jesus rests in this because he knows God will take care of his reputation and those who do evil against him will one day stand in judgment.

Prayer

Father, as I think about this lesson I am reminded of “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20a ESV). Being crucified with Christ is the process of my pride being broken. True brokenness allows Christ to live in me and it is this experienced reality that allows me to live in the face of evil with love and forgiveness. Father, I am beginning to understand this as evidence that you are conforming me into the image of Christ. Thank you for connecting this thought with Jesus in this lesson. 

What Divides Us?

Lesson #148

With this lesson we will finish up the section defined by John 8:39 – 47. We finished the last lesson with Jesus describing the devil as a murderer and the father of lies who does not stand in the truth. Jesus claims that the Jews do not have God as their father, as they claim, but the devil. Thus, when Jesus tells them the truth they are unable to believe him (John 8:45). By opposing what Jesus is telling them, with their hateful and intolerable view of the truth, the Jews plainly show they are children of the devil and not children of God.

Jesus then asks them two questions: “Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?” (John 8:46 ESV). Out of perfect confidence that the Jews would be unable to, Jesus asks them to show evidence of his sin; to justify why they should level such slander toward him and the truth he presents. At this time Jesus is not claiming he is sinless as the Son of God, but in the context of this passage they would be unable to present anything that would show that he was not a faithful servant of God. Then, as a faithful servant of God, he asks the Jews why they do not believe him. Jesus is not here defending his behavior as a person, but the truth given him by his Father that he was to deliver to sinful men.

Jesus then summarizes what he has been saying about the Jews: “Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God” (John 8:47 ESV). Since they cannot bring forth any evidence to convict Jesus that what he is saying is not from God, he concludes that they have nothing in common with God because they do not believe what they hear and follow its instruction. Here Jesus provides an important standard in which to measure one’s mind. That standard is the doctrine of Christ; he who rejects it excludes himself from righteousness and life and shows evidence of a reprobate mind; he who embraces it shows evidence of the seal of election. We must be careful to note where we stand and what we do with the doctrine of Christ because it determines who our father really is.

Prayer

Father, when Jesus walked among us he told us that he was the only way that we could come to you; that he and he alone was able to provide us with eternal life. As with the Jews, today Jesus and his doctrine is rejected by most as unimportant and in fact useless; to be repressed even at the cost of the believers’ life. Father, thank you that obedient belief in the doctrine of Christ is indeed evidence of our seal of election. 

Your Works Reflect the Devil

Lesson #147

We continue on in the section, defined by John 8:39 – 47, at verse 43: “Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word” (ESV). I can almost see Jesus standing before them and with the authority of the Son of God, saying to them, “Why do you not understand what I say? Well, let me tell you why. It is because you are not able to accept what I say as truth that is given to me from my Father.” Jesus follows this with a repeat punch: “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 there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44 ESV). Again, for the third time, Jesus tells them that the devil is their father and since the creation of man he has felt compelled to do him harm. Since the devil knew that the Son of God was to come as the Messiah and clothe himself with human flesh, he has done his best to prevent that from happening. With such an intense desire to kill Jesus these Jews are clearly demonstrating that they are doing the work of devil and thus he is their father. The devil was a murderer from the beginning and even today he “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV).

The devil was not evil by nature, for there was a time when he walked in the truth, but pride was found in his heart and his worship turned from God to himself. The devil is now head over the domain of darkness of which every human is a member apart from Jesus Christ. This evil kingdom is engaged in battle with the kingdom of light, the kingdom of God’s beloved Son. Having turned from the truth he is now knows as the father of lies. The devil hates the truth and therefore cannot endure it and when he speaks he speaks he speaks out of his own nature and all that he speaks are lies. We see this lying in the garden of Eden. God placed man in the garden and said, “from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die” (Genesis 2:17 NASB). But the devil shows us as a serpent and says to the woman, “You will not surely die” (Genesis 3:4 ESV). These Jews speak the same way, accusing Jesus of being an impostor and speaking lies to them. The devil is the father of lies and his children follow his example and speak lies also.

This section contains three more verses, which we will cover in the next lesson.

Prayer

Father, when I was born again I became a new creature in Christ, living in a body of sinful flesh. As a new creature I desire to live a holy and righteous life, allowing Jesus to live his life through me, but my flesh still has ties back to my old father and still struggles to express itself through works learned from him. The battle between self-wanting to live and Christ living in me is constant and, I am sure, will continue until death. Father, please continue to conform me into the image of your Son.

Your Father the Devil

Lesson #146

With this lesson we begin the section defined by John 8:39 – 47, in which Jesus makes it very clear to the Jews that their father is the devil. “They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did” (John 8:39 – 40 ESV). The Jews insisted that Abraham was their father. They would not acknowledge any other possibility and in their minds to do so they would be guilty of slander. Abraham was an honorable man who gave them status, whereas the devil could not even be considered a possibility; pride would not allow that. Jesus responds by pointing out that their works did not correspond to the works of Abraham, which was belief in God. If they truly believed God with the spirit Abraham had, they would understand that Jesus came from God and is speaking the very words of God, but they see him as an impostor to be killed for blasphemy. Jesus makes it clear that this is not how Abraham would respond.

“You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God” (John 8:41 ESV). Again, Jesus is referring back to his claim that their father is the devil and their desire to kill him is proof that they doing the works of this father. The Jews come back to discredit Jesus by stating that he was not virgin born, but was born of sexual immorality. The Jews then identify with God as their father. If God adopted the family of Abraham, then as his offspring they conclude that they must be God’s children. As offspring of the seed of Abraham they assumed that their holiness was secure from birth, but it is not. Because of original sin, every person, Jew included, is born spiritually dead and part of the devil’s family. The Jews, standing before Jesus, simply did not understand that Jesus was the only way to God. Their connection to Abraham, or their relationship to the law, or their animal sacrifices in themselves would not satisfy the justice of God. Only Jesus as the perfect sacrifice and belief in his work on the cross was sufficient.

“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.”” (John 8: 42 ESV). If God was their father, then Jesus claims that they should know and love his Son, who was standing before them. Whoever is a child of God, Jesus claims, will acknowledge the Son of God, but since you hate me you have no reason to claim that you are God’s children. When Jesus Christ is rejected, there is no fear of God or piety and one is carried off by their sin. Jesus was sent from heaven by his Father and stands before them as their means of salvation. Without him they will continue along the road of deception into the everlasting wrath of God into the depth of a burning hell.

Prayer

Father, I think of the powerful effect the world has had on me and in many ways still has. After 79 years of life, there is still tension between my desire to love and worship the Lord and the draw I feel from the world. My time in China and other parts of the world amplified my struggle by demonstrating the freedom and peace that came with simple living, which seems so hard to secure. Father, draw me deeper into your will for me and that I would abide more deeply in the Lord.

The Son Provides True Freedom

Lesson #145

With this lesson we will finish the section defined by John 8:31 – 38. We ended the last lesson with Jesus saying “everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” Then he draws a comparison between a slave and a son: “The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever” (John 8:35 ESV). At first this seemed confusing, but when you consider the legal rights of both the slave and the son you see the difference. The slave is not the heir and at any time can be expelled from the house of his master for whatever reason the master decides. But with the son it is different. He is the heir and is privileged with the right to remain in the family; he cannot be expelled or sold as can the slave. As a slave to sin, the Jews may at any time be rejected from being the people of God. So, what is the solution?

Jesus then refers to the son, used in his comparison, and says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36 ESV). Jesus presents himself as the Son of God who is heir of all thing, who is forever with God the Father, and who has the right and the power to set one free from bondage and the dominion of sin. This freedom the Son has to offer is not a freedom from earthly masters, but from the bondage of sin which has the power to drag one into eternal destruction.

Jesus then agrees with them that they are offspring of Abraham, that they seek to kill him and then gives a reasons why: “I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you” (John 8:37 ESV). Even though the Jews are offspring of Abraham they are found lacking God’s Spirit and in its place they have a hate for God’s Son and seek an opportunity to kill him. This hate for him prevents them from having a place available for the words Jesus is delivering to them.

Jesus continues by saying, “I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father” (John 8:38 ESV). Again, Jesus identifies God as his Father and claims that what he is saying he has seen while with his Father. Jesus claims that what he does he has seen or learned from his Father and He accuses them of doing what they have heard or learned from their father the devil. This implication that their father is the devil will not go unchallenged and will produce even greater hate and contempt for Jesus.

Prayer

Father, this lesson caused me to think back across my life and see where areas of sin had prevented your word from taking root as it should have in me. That sin produced areas of infertile ground where growth was stunted. This ground had to be broken up through confession and seeking forgiveness and nourished through meditating on relevant scriptures. This process, I found, required the passing of time in the presence of trials. There was simply no shortcut. 

The Truth Will Set You Free

Lesson #144

In the next section, defined by John 8:31 – 38, we will learn that the truth will set us free. We begin this section with Jesus speaking to those who accept what Jesus has said so far. “Then Jesus said to those Judeans who had believed him, “If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:31 – 32 NET). We will soon see that some of these will turn from him and then much later many more will also stop believing, but to those who John says currently believe, Jesus gives a promise and an implied warning. If those who currently accept what Jesus has been saying and continue to follow it, then they are truly his disciples and those the truth will set free. Many, even today, say they believe, but through the passing of time and the presence of trials that challenge their faith, they turn away. A true disciple will not fall away, but will grow spiritually through those trials and will continue on to the very end of life; some even facing death. Those who continue on in his teaching will truly know and understand the truth and will be set free by it.

As Jesus continues to teach, resistance continues to grow and the number of those who believe continue to decrease. “We are descendants of Abraham,” they replied, “and have never been anyone’s slaves! How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” (John 8:33 NET). Again is the problem of Jesus speaking spiritual truth and they hearing with a natural understanding. In their minds they are thinking of being a slave to some human master, but Jesus is speaking of a different kind of enslavement. As descendants of Abraham they claim not to be anyone’s slave, but they are not thinking of the claim sin has on their lives and how it enslaves them.

“Jesus answered them, “I tell you the solemn truth, everyone who practices sin is a slave of sin” (John 8:34 NET). Jesus clarifies his statement about enslavement by explaining that the one who practices sin is a slave of sin; sin is actually their master who they are obeying, so they are not free. As a slave they are unable, on their own, to escape from their sinful pattern of conduct. We will see in John 8:36, that they will need help from Jesus.

Prayer

Father, how easy it is to be drawn away from your word by the world. There is so much I think I would enjoy doing, but when enticed I so often find my expectations not met. Over the 60 years that I have studied your word I have learned much truth, been nourished spiritually, and have a growing, living hope in the life I will spend with you forever. This learned truth has indeed set me free from many things that have been a bondage in my life. Thank you for loving me and setting me free.

To Know that I Am He

Lesson #143

With this lesson we will cover John 8:26 – 30 and finish this section. The Pharisees continue to ask Jesus who he is and he continues to tell them but they don’t understand what he is saying or if they do they will not accept it and believe in him. Jesus continues to say to them: “I have much to say about you and much to judge, but he who sent me is true, and I declare to the word what I have heard from him” (John 8:26 ESV). Jesus, speaking to these Pharisees is like speaking to the deaf; they are unable to hear so as to comprehend what he is saying. Jesus knows these Pharisees very well and could say much about them and there is much he could accuse them of concerning their relationship to the doctrine being presented to them. That which Jesus Christ teaches will always stand against the wickedness and contempt of men. Jesus listens to his Father and what he hears is true and so what he declares to the world is true and so we need to listen to and head what he says.

As we just said above, “They did not understand that he had been speaking to them about the Father” (John 8: 27 ESV). They are altogether blind and walk in darkness and unless they come to Jesus in belief that darkness will not be removed and they will continue along the pathway to eternal destruction. This is happening to people all around us today who reject the Gospel. Such blindness and deafness we see here among these religious teachers should warn us to walk in fear before God because without Jesus Christ, eternal judgment stands before us.

Jesus continues his declaration to them and says, “. . . When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me” (John 8:28 ESV). There is a time coming when they will know who he is. They will first judge him for blasphemy, based on false witness, scourge him, and nail him to a cross between two thieves. At his death “. . . the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”” (Matthew 27:51 – 54 ESV). The Pharisees will also know that he did nothing on his own authority and spoke the truth given to him by his Father, but most will still not believe.

Jesus declares that he is not alone, “[Because] he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him” (John 8 29 ESV). As believers this is to be our position before God. We must understand and believe that he who chose us is always with us and will never leave us. In return we are to always do the things that are pleasing to him.

“As [Jesus] was saying these things, many believed in him” (John 8:30 ESV). Even though the Pharisees did not believe, John tells us that there were others who believed. The meaning of believe at this point is probably not believing faith that occurred after Pentecost, but a sort of preparation for that faith. These people who John says believed were able to accept the doctrine Jesus was presenting in preparation for belief after the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Prayer

Father, what a powerful example Jesus is for us; how he stands before those of unbelief and presents the Gospel without argument. His presentation is clear and brief that he is the Son of God who has you as his Father in heaven. Jesus is clear concerning the kind of relationship with you we are to have; one of belief and obedience. Thank you for your love and mercy in choosing me and the security of knowing that you will never leave me or forsake me.

You Will Die In Your Sins Unless

Lesson #142

With this lesson we will cover John 8:23 – 25. Jesus continues his conversation with the Pharisees: “He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.”” (John 8:23 ESV). Jesus shows patience with the Pharisees and explains to them why they do not receive his testimony. He implies that they dislike the kingdom of God because they are from below or belonging to the natural world. As a result, their thinking or their wisdom is earthly, unspiritual, demonic and is accompanied with jealousy and selfish ambition, from which comes disorder and every vile practice (James 3:15 – 16). The natural human mind is unable to understand the Gospel because that requires heavenly wisdom. Jesus is not of this world; he is from above, from his Father and they are unable to understand that with their natural minds.

Jesus continues: “I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins” (John 8:24 ESV). In John 8:21, Jesus told them they would die in their “sin” while here he uses the word “sins”. In verse 21 Jesus used sin to include all their sins and so the meaning is the same. Each one of us is born into this world with a mortal disease with an addiction to continue to sin. Like any addict who is enslaved to their particular substance, their path leads to death unless somehow they can change directions by breaking their enslavement. Jesus then explains how that is possible; unless they believe that “I am he” [they] will die in [their] sin. Jesus and only Jesus is the solution to their dilemma. The “I am he” that Jesus uses to describe himself means Messiah or Son of God; the Christ. This idea of God veiled in a body of flesh is a concept that most people are unable to accept or believe in. The Pharisees are an example of this.

The Pharisees “. . . said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning”” (John 8:25 ESV). It is clear that the Pharisees and Jesus are at an impasse because they ask again who he was. Jesus responds by repeating what he has already told them. There is more in the phrase “from the beginning”, that Jesus uses, than meets the eye. The general consensus is that it implies that he did not arise suddenly, but existed in eternity past and was promised to appear publicly in the future.

Prayer

Father, it is easy to read these three verses and not see the application to us the reader. Unless we believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, veiled in a human body and surrender to him as our Lord and Savior, we will die in our sin. Father, without you touching one’s heart, that one would act no differently than the Pharisees. Father, thank you for giving me understanding and the desire to come to Jesus in belief.

I Am Going Away; You Can’t Come!

Lesson #141

In the next section, defined by John 8:21 – 30, we will consider where Jesus came from and where he is going. So he said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.”” (John 8:21 ESV). Surely Jesus knows that he will not make any further progress with these obstinate men, so he says to them that he is going away to a place where they cannot come, even if they wanted to. The reason they cannot go where he is going is because they do not accept him for who he is and as a result they will die in their sin and go to their destruction.

There seems to be an acceptable time for salvation. In 2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV), we read, “For he says, “I heard you at the acceptable time, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Look, now is the acceptable time; look, now is the day of salvation!” It is very possible, if a person continues to ignore the wooing of the Holy Spirit, that one may lose their chance for salvation. Jesus withdrawing from these Pharisees and condemning them to death, I believe, is a warning to us to not delay in making a decision for Christ. “Now is the acceptable time, look, now is the day of salvation; tomorrow may prove to be too late.

As time passes by and a person anguishes in their sinful state, that person may seek for God, but because of their pride and defiance, they will be unable to find him. Remember, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6 ESV). Unless one is humble, broken, before God, God will resist that one. The Scripture is clear that we are to be broken for a purpose. Here that purpose is salvation.

The Pharisees clearly did not understand what Jesus said and so they said, “Will he kill himself, since he says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?” (John 8 22 ESV). The Pharisees have come to the point of making fun of what Jesus is saying. They are ridiculing him; they speak words without understanding; they have no feeling but anger and hate. They speak to their own destruction as Jesus said to them. They can’t go where he is going because they are lost in their sin.

We will stop here because verses 23 – 25 belong together and will take another lesson to cover.

Prayer

Father, the day of salvation was sure clear to me some 65 years ago when I felt compelled to accept Jesus Christ into my life. I don’t know how I could have possibly put it off one more day. I knew that was the acceptable time and God did his work in me and I was born again. Father, clearly you came to me and drew me to yourself and gave me to Jesus for eternal life. How can I thank you enough?

Where Is Your Father?

Lesson #140

With this lesson we will finish our study of the section defined by John 8:12 – 20. When Jesus makes reference to his Father who sent him, the Pharisees could remain silent no longer. “They said to him therefore, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also”” (John 8:19 ESV). By now the Pharisees should know that Jesus is referring to God when he mentions the name Father, but in contempt they seem to be looking around for his father wondering where he is.

Jesus does not give a direct reply to their question, but instead reproaches them for their ignorance. They ask for the whereabouts of his Father and yet they are unable to recognize the Son of God standing before them. Because of their pride and their wicked ingratitude, they are blind to the one standing before them. Jesus stands before them as the light of the world, but as they reject him for who he is, they continue to walk in darkness and have not sight or understanding. Knowing this Jesus tells them, “You know neither me nor my Father.” Jesus then makes it very clear that they really don’t know God: If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” To know the Father, we must know the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a real problem today. Anyone who says they know God and rejects Jesus as God’s Son is deceived and does not know God and are without eternal life. If Christians were to stand strong on this Biblical truth, we would experience much more persecution in this country.

John then closes this section by describing where Jesus was speaking to the people: “These words he spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come” (John 8:20 ESV). Depending upon which commentary one looks at, one finds little or much said on the treasury. It seems to be part of the temple where the sacred offerings were laid up. It is a place where people often come and as a result Jesus may have had a good crowd to speak to. Jesus is speaking these things about him in this sacred place and no one puts forth their hand to arrest him. God is indeed in control and since the hour had not yet come those who hated Jesus were restrained from arresting him.

Prayer

Father, as I thought about my prayer for this lesson I was reminded about two fathers: “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires.” (John 8:44 ESV) and as Jesus said, “If you knew me, you would know my Father also” (John 8:19 ESV) and would do his will. Father, thank you for adopting me from the family whose father is the devil and making me a member of your family, the family of God.

My Testimony Is True

Lesson #139

This lesson continues our study of the section defined by John 8:12 – 20. Jesus continues his defense to the Pharisees by saying, “You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one” (John 8:15 ESV). To “judge according to the flesh” means according to natural understanding and human standards of the world. The sinful nature of the flesh can produce wicked judgments sometimes according to the appearance of the person. Consider how you sometimes judge others, especially before you became a believer. Remember what Jesus said, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For by the standard you judge you will be judged, and the measure you use will be the measure you receive” (Matthew 7:1 – 2 NET). If we are in a situation where we must judge, then the standard we use to judge by is to be from the Word not the world. Jesus then said that he judges no one. What he is saying is that during his earthly ministry he did not come to judge the world, but to be its savior. Jesus will judge the world at his second coming, but not at this time.

Jesus then continues: “Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me” (John 8:16 ESV). Maybe he doesn’t completely surrender his rights and does pass some judgment, but if he does he maintains that his judgment is true and that he is not alone in his judgment. Since his deity is veiled under his flesh, he doesn’t openly declare that he is the Son of God, but instead defers to referring to his Father as the second witness required by the law for a testimony to be considered.

Jesus then refers back to the law: “In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true” (John 8:17 ESV). Jesus agrees that the law requires two witnesses. He is not willing, at this time, to explain that he is both man and God, but instead he asserts that his testimony is from the Father, the second witness. Jesus then concludes his testimony by saying, “I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me” (John 8:18 ESV). Jesus bears witness about himself, but remember at the baptism when a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17 ESV). Here the connection is made between Jesus and his Father. We bear witness that what I say is true.

We will wait and finish this section in the next lesson.

Prayer

Father, as I ponder over this lesson and think about how to pray, I am impressed by Jesus, who is the Son of God veiled in flesh, who defers attention from himself and directs it to his Father to whom he is in submission to. My flesh desires recognition and as a result it is a constant battle for me to live in subjection to Christ and to die to the desires of my flesh. Father, continue to break me so that I would be suitable for your service.

Jesus Ranks Above Men

Lesson #138

In our last lesson, lesson #137, we briefly looked at John 8:12, the second I AM that Jesus claimed for himself: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Our last lesson was primarily links to work that was previously done. Before moving on to the next verse, let us consider another thought. John tells us in John 1:4 (NASB): “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.” Jesus is the source of life and that life produces light. That light is what removes the darkness we experience. Those who are unsaved and apart from Jesus walk in darkness and do not know where they are going. The closer a believer is to Jesus, the less darkness there is; if there seems to be a cloud of darkness over you then you need to check your walk with Jesus because Jesus is light and darkness is displaced by his presence. As you allow Jesus to be squeezed out of your life then darkness invades, so stay close to Jesus.

As you can imagine, a claim like “I AM the light of the world” would cause the Pharisees to react: “So the Pharisees objected, “You testify about yourself; your testimony is not true!”” (John 8:13 NET). The Pharisees objected because the law requires at least two witnesses. Without another witness the Pharisees insist that what Jesus says about himself cannot be trusted, so to be safe they reject it as not being true.

“Jesus answered, “Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going.”” (John 8:14 ESV). Even though Jesus is testifying about himself, he insists his testimony is true. The Pharisees are correct and supported by the law not to accept the testimony from man about himself. However, Jesus raises himself above the rank of men by knowing things that men do not know. Being the Son of God, he knows where he came from and when his assignment is completed he knows where he is going. This is something the Pharisees do not know.

By saying he knows where he came from he is implying that his origin is not from this world but from God and thus he should not be subject to the laws of men. From their law the Pharisees should know that it points to the coming of such a person as Jesus. But the Son of God coming into the world as he did; born of a virgin; clothed in the flesh of a man, the Pharisees could not accept who Jesus was.

Since the Pharisees could not accept where Jesus was from or know where he was going, they could not accept his testimony as being true. We must keep this in mind; we need to be sure that we know and accept that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah, who came from heaven and that he came to die for our sin and then rise from the dead and return to his Father. We need to embrace this and embrace Jesus and as we do we will walk in the light as the darkness of unbelief is overcome. We must stay focused on Jesus, no matter the trials we encounter, and stay close to him so as to walk in the light of understanding. Do not fail to see the importance of staying near Jesus to keep the darkness of doubt and feeling of defeat from overcoming us. Our victory is found in staying close to Jesus where we can walk in the light of his glory.

Prayer

Father, thank you for bringing me to the Lord Jesus Christ where the darkness of sin was overcome by the light of his glory. Thank you for showing me through this lesson the importance of belief and staying close to Jesus to keep darkness from creeping into my soul. 

I Am the Light of the World

Lesson #137

In the next section, defined by John 8:12 – 20, Jesus declares that he is the light of the world and the source of life, but the Pharisees accused him of false testimony. Jesus then defends himself and claims that they don’t really know God.

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”” (John 8:12 ESV). In the book of John, Jesus uses the phrase “I AM” in seven declarations about himself. Each I AM is linked to a metaphor which describes an aspect of his saving relationship toward the world.  These are listed in the following table of links:

Article Link	Reference Link	Blog Link
I AM The Bread of Life	John 6:35	Bread
I AM The Light of the World	John 8:12	Light
I AM The Door	John 10:7 – 9	Door
I AM The Good Shepherd	John 10:11, 14 – 15	Good Shepherd
I AM The Resurrection and the Life	John 11:25 – 27	Resurrection and the Life
I AM The way, and the truth, and the life	John 14:6	Way    Truth     Life
I AM The True Vine	John 15:1	True Vine

What does it mean that Jesus is the light of the world? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV). Jesus was sent into the world and he said, “I am the light of the world”. Because of sin the world lies in spiritual darkness and needs the light Jesus has to offer. In contrast to spiritual darkness Jesus is the light that brings true knowledge, moral purity, and the light that shows the presence of God. That light comes from the life he and only he has to offer. This is one powerful claim; the life Jesus gives to those who come to him produces light that removes their blindness. Surely such a claim will not go unchallenged by the Pharisees.

Two Scriptures that illustrates the importance of this light are Ephesians 5:8 – 14 and 1 John 1:5 – 7. Evil and death is associated with darkness but good fruit is found in the light. If we are to have fellowship with God we must walk in the light because he is light and in him there is no darkness at all. Jesus provides us with access to this light.

Prayer

Father, thank you that in Jesus Christ my spiritual darkness has been removed by the light that comes from the life he gives. Lord, thank you nourishing me, as the Bread of Life, for removing the darkness from my soul, as the Light of the World. Father, how awesome is the Lord and how loved I feel being with him.

The Adulterous Woman - Continued

Lesson #136

We ended the last lesson, lesson #135, with the Pharisees standing in silence, not knowing what to say as Jesus completely disarmed them when he said, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” As the Pharisees stood there pondering what to say or do, Jesus “once more . . . bent down and wrote on the ground” (John 8:8 ESV). The Pharisees knew the law: “On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness. The hand of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from your midst” (Deuteronomy 17:6 – 7 ESV). By this the witness would feel the responsibility in giving evidence, as he was also to be the executioner. Jesus knew that under these conditions, no one would dare step forth and claim the position of witness and executioner. “Now when they heard this, they began to drift away one at a time, starting with the older ones, until Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him” (John 8:9 NET). Again Jesus takes command and shows his authority. As the accusers drift away Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.

“Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”” (John 8:10 ESV). It says in verse 9 that Jesus was left alone with the woman. “Alone” cannot mean there were no people left there except Jesus and the woman because this was taking place a public setting. This is clarified when Jesus asks the woman where all her accusers had gone. Is there no one left to condemn you? The Pharisees had accused the woman, but they were not willing to proceed to the point of taking responsibility for her death and they left. To the question asked by Jesus, the woman replies, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”” (John 8:11 ESV).

I don’t believe Jesus is not condemning her for her adultery. Since those who brought the charge of adultery against the woman have left, Jesus does not condemn her to die based on their charges. Jesus knows she has sinned; she was detected and accused; her sin was great, but with the accusers gone, Jesus tells her to go and sin no more.

Prayer

Father, how refreshing it is to see that in some difficult situations there may be a way to proceed that would produce positive results that the world would not think of; ways that are from above that disarm evil intensions and bring a measure of order. Here, Jesus displays wisdom that is from above and demonstrates to us the importance of seeking and applying this wisdom. Lord, thank you for being our source of all we have need of.

The Adulterous Woman

Lesson #135

This lesson begins chapter 8, with the first section defined by John 8:1 – 11. This section is not found in John’s original Gospel, for it is absent from all of the oldest manuscripts. The episode about the adulterous woman probably happened during the ministry of Jesus but was not included by John when he wrote his gospel. There is nothing wrong with this story, but it should not be considered as part of Scripture. We will cover it because we can learn from it.

“They went each to his own house, but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives” (John 7:53 – 8:1) ESV). This is clearly a point of transition from the rejection of Jesus by the Pharisees and their condemnation of the officers, the people and Nicodemus to John introducing a new event. The people went to where they were staying; Jesus left Jerusalem and went to the Mount of Olives, where he probably spent the night. “Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them” (John 8:2 ESV). It is now early in the morning and Jesus goes back to the temple and the people gather around him, expecting Jesus to continue teaching, which he does, but before he can hardly get started he is interrupted by the scribes and the Pharisees.

“The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery.”” (John 8:3 – 4 ESV). Since adultery involves two people, I wonder why the man was not brought also. My suspicion is that this was a setup. Possibly a man was chosen to seduce the woman to have relations with her and when that occurred they were interpreted and only the woman was taken to be used in an attempt to trap Jesus. They set that trap by saying, “Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say? This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground” (John 8:5 – 6 ESV). How might this be a trap? If Jesus sides with the law and says she should die, then they could accuse him of claiming power that belongs to the Romans. They could also accuse him of judgment without a fair hearing or a proper trial. If Jesus decides otherwise, he would then be charged with denying the authority of the law. No matter what Jesus decides he will be in trouble. Jesus is fully aware of what is happening and responds in an unexpected way. He bends down and writes something on the ground with his finger.

The scribes and the Pharisees were not sure Jesus clearly heard them; “And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”” (John 8:7 ESV). On behalf of Jesus you want to cry out, “YES” because he stopped them in their tracks. They did not expect this and surly they must be standing there in silence, assessing what was said. We are going to let them think for a while and return to see what happens at the beginning of our next lesson.

Prayer

Father, what an amazing example of wisdom Jesus displays as he responds to an intentional trap. It illustrates how important it is for me as a believer to walk in wisdom from above and be able to discern how to respond to difficult situations. Father, thank you for continually drawing me into your Word to know the truth and to acquire this wisdom.

The Defense of Nicodemus

Lesson #134

With this lesson we will finish chapter 7. We ended the last lesson with the Pharisees venting their angry displeasure with the officers not returning with Jesus. The Pharisees told them they were deceived by being moved by what Jesus said and further condemned them by telling them that none of those in authority believed in Jesus. Next the Pharisees condemned the crowd. They said, “But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed” (John 7:49 ESV). In the minds of the Pharisees, the crowd refers to common people, or as we would say, the rabble. They were looked down upon as being unformed and not qualified to make spiritual decisions, especially concerning their salvation; this is because they had not been schooled in the law. It is interesting to note that Christianity is available for everyone and that even a child can know enough to choose a relationship with Jesus Christ and thus obtain salvation. In the eyes of the Pharisees, these people are accursed, or cursed to eternal destruction.

The Pharisees had just claimed that none of the authorities believe in Jesus, but we know from a previous lesson that Nicodemus had gone to see Jesus, “and who was one of them, said to them” (John 7:50 ESV) comes forth with a challenge. “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” (John 7:51 ESV). Nicodemus, who earlier was so timid and fearful that he went to visit Jesus in the dark, now steps forth with boldness and fearlessly defends the truth that he is beginning to accept from Jesus. He claims that they are not being fair by not carefully listening to Jesus and having dialog with him to discern the truth. What Jesus is saying is radically different to what they currently believe and makes them uncomfortable. Instead of working through their discomfort caused by this new hearing, they reject it and the one who is bringing it, seeking to get back as quickly as possible to their acceptable normal. Nicodemus suggest they give Jesus a fair hearing.

As expected, the Pharisees turn against Nicodemus. “They replied, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee” (John 7:52 ESV). They lash out with contempt and ridicule, a weapon so often used by the proud and haughty against Christianity. By insisting Jesus is from Galilee and not from Bethlehem, they think they can build a stronger case against Jesus. Scripture is clear that the prophet, the Messiah, is from Bethlehem and not Galilee. Being convinced of the wrong town leads the Pharisees to reject Jesus and the truth God is sending to them through him, his Son.

This ends chapter 7 with each departing to his own house. The earliest manuscripts do not include John 7:53 – 8:11. We will, however, pick up our study with the next lesson starting at John 8:1.

Prayer

Father, this lesson stresses to me the importance of listening to what is being said; to give the speaker a fair hearing and then carefully determine if the message is from God. Father, it seems like many church people are like the Pharisees and want to hear what makes them comfortable. They are not willing to listen to that which is challenging and then take the time to validate it and apply the truth to their lives. Unfortunately, this desire for comfort overpowers their desire to become more like Jesus and as a result they continue to look like those in the world. Father, I wonder if judgment through some persecution would help by replacing some of their comfort with suffering and less safety? 

Lack of Belief

Lesson #133

With this lesson we come to the last section of chapter 7, defined by John 7:45 – 52. In our last lesson, Lesson #132, we ended with some wanting Jesus arrested, but no one laid hands on him. In the first verse of this section we learn more about who those were who wanted to arrest Jesus and then in the next verse we learn why.

“The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?”” (John 7:45 ESV). The officers were temple priest that were deployed by the chief priest and Pharisees, representing the Sanhedrin, to arrest Jesus. They apparently listened to what Jesus had to say and were so moved by it that they returned without arresting him. The officers were asked why they did not obey their command and arrest Jesus. “The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!”” (John 7:46 ESV). What a profound statement! There has been no other man in history who was also fully God who was able to speak with the infinite knowledge and authority of God. We have seen the effects of the power of his words in the miracles he has performed in our earlier lessons. This power tends to terrify the wicked toward their destruction, but for the believer that power provides us with eternal life and a relationship with God that we cannot yet fully comprehend.

The Pharisees were not pleased that Jesus was not arrested and brought to them. “The Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived?” (John 7:47 ESV). The Pharisees were not interested in what Jesus said that so impressed the officers. Their minds were made up and they considered Jesus to be a fraud and they turned to their officers and insulted them because of the impression Jesus made on them. The officers were willing to listen to Jesus and were touched by what he said and were condemned for doing so. This is a very common response by authorities in areas of the world where persecution against believers is found. Today their hatred for Jesus is taken out on those who represent Jesus called Christians. Jesus warned us by saying, “Then they will hand you over to be persecuted and will kill you. You will be hated by all the nations because of my name” (Matthew 24:9 NET). We see this happening all around us and maybe soon we will experience it also.

The Pharisees continue their insult by saying, “Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?” (John 7:48 ESV). The argument of the Pharisees is any person of distinction has rejected Jesus and his message. The implication is that common and thus ignorant people don’t know any better and are thus being led astray. These Pharisees are unwilling to submit to God and rely upon his word as their guide. Instead they have made up their own sinful minds, turning from the truth and following the path of unbelief to their destruction. We must be very careful we don’t make important decisions that pertain to our eternity apart from God and his revealed truth. The Pharisees are doing just that in rejecting the truth that God is delivering to them through Jesus the Son of God.

Prayer

Father, how thankful I am that you have given me the Holy Spirit to discern your truth. Like the officers in our lesson, I am touched by what I learn from the Word and the more I learn the more I desire to be like Jesus. My heart is grieved by our tendency to be satisfied by what the world has to offer and not staying focused on the task you set before us. Forgive us and continue to work in our hearts.

Division Among the People

Lesson #132

In this lesson we will cover John 7:40 – 44. After Jesus spoke about living water, “some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee?”” (John 7:40 – 41 ESV). It was foretold in Deuteronomy 18:15 – 18 that God would raise up a prophet like Moses. When John the Baptist arrived on the scene people wondered if he was the prophet or the Christ. John said that he was neither. Out text shows some confusion amongst the people as some thought the prophet and the Christ were two different people. Some felt Jesus could not be the Christ because he was from Galilee. They apparently forgot he was actually born in Bethlehem.

Those who believed Jesus was not from Bethlehem presented the argument, “Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” (John 7:42 ESV). In Micah 5:2 we read, “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity” (NASB). This verse tells us that Jesus would come from Bethlehem, from among the clans of Judah, would one day be a ruler in Israel, and that he existed from the days of eternity before being born in Bethlehem. Surely this should have been known by the Jews, but people have a way of being blind to what they don’t want to accept. Jesus grew up in Galilee and so the Jews claimed that was where he was from, which meant he couldn’t be the Christ.

“So there was a division among the people over him” (John 7:43 ESV). A passage from James helps us understand what is happening: “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” (James 3:14 – 16 ESV). Bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in our hearts can cause us to be false to or reject the truth which results in different human views, causing division. Sinful hearts rebel against God and that which is truth. As we saw in previous lessons, the truth can be presented, but what is done with that truth depends on the heart of the one hearing it. Has there been occasion when you rejected or were not willing to accept and obey what the Scriptures revealed to you? Are you not studying the Scriptures so you will not have to experience the guilt of disobeying what you just learned?

This division among the people overflowed in hate for Jesus and “Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him” (John 7:44 ESV). Very often when people reject someone their rejection is accompanied by cruelty and the eagerness to cause the person harm. With Jesus, this rejection and cruelty will continue to grow until the time set by the Father for Jesus to go to the cross.

Prayer

Father, I confess that I have experienced this in my own life. I have not liked the message being given by someone and rejected it and thus the person. I now realized that this rejection usually was accompanied by ill feelings toward that person. When my pride sets the standard I find sin waiting at the door. Father, forgive me and continue to conform me into the image of your Son.

Rivers of Living Water

Lesson #131

In this lesson we will cover John 7:37 – 39. We learn from other sources that Jesus was not arrested at this time and in this lesson we find him before the people on the last day of the feast, “. . . the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.”” (John 7:37 ESV). John 7:14 makes reference to the middle of the feast while here we are at the last day of the feast, called the great day of the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus stands up and cries out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” Probably Jesus is referring to Psalm 55:1, where in the first part of the verse we read, “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters . . . “. In chapter 4, Jesus refers to the water as “living water” (v 10) and whoever drinks of that water will never thirst again (v13). But to drink, to remove one’s thirst, that person must first come to Jesus in belief.

Jesus continues to describe the meaning of drinking to remove thirst by saying, “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:38 ESV). Jesus is the source of living water that he gives to those who come to him in belief, but as a believer that living water can flow through us to touch the lives of others. To understand how this works we need to continue on the verse 39.

“Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified” (John 7:39 ESV). This living water, that believers were to receive, refers to the Holy Spirit. To understand this, consider the sap that flows within a living tree. That sap is the life of the tree; without it the tree would no longer have life. This living water in us is like the sap in the tree, but there is a great difference. The sap is physical and provides life for a physical tree. Without water our body would die, but unlike the tree we are also spiritual. Without the Spirit flowing within us we would not have spiritual life. Our bodies require water to remove thirst and provide life. Jesus then builds a bridge between the physical and the spiritual using the term “living water”. In the spiritual realm Jesus calls this living water the Spirit. Without the Spirit living in us we do not have spiritual life.

Jesus then informs us the Spirit has not yet been given, because he has not yet been glorified. This living water, this Spirit will come to fill us with life after Jesus goes to the Father. This giving of the Spirit occurs at Pentecost. From that time forward, the Spirit dwells within each believer and remains there for an eternity. This does not mean the Holy Spirit has not been at work in the world prior to Jesus’ resurrection. The Holy Spirit was present in the world as early as Genesis 1:2, where we find “the Spirit of God hovering over the face of the waters.” Probably what Jesus means here is the full and powerful presence would not occur until the church age, which we now live in.

Prayer

Father, what an exciting time to be alive, to be able to enjoy the indwelling presence of the Spirit, providing us with eternal life. What joy it is to have the living hope of our resurrection when Jesus returns and life with you as your child forever. 

Where Will Jesus Go?

Lesson #130

With this lesson we will finish the section defined by John 7:32 – 36. Jesus had just said to his enemies that he was going to leave in a little while to return to his Father. He further tells them that after he leaves they would search for him but would not find him. Jesus knew they did not understand what he meant by his statement that he was going to return to his Father because he told them that after he left they would search for him to see what happened to him or where he went.

“The Jews [then] said to one another, “Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks?” (John 7:35 ESV). By this statement, the Jews show their complete lack of understanding of what Jesus has been teaching them. These who do not understand who are deaf to hear God’s instruction are further moved by their wickedness to threaten harm to anyone they do not understand.

Ignoring what Jesus said about going to his Father, the Jews wonder if “he [intended] to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks?” “The Dispersion was a common Jewish expression to refer to all the Jewish people scattered throughout the Roman Empire, and even beyond the bounds of the empire, but not living in Palestine itself.” (ESV Bible footnotes for verse 35). They wondered if this is what he meant. Peter refers to the dispersion as those scattered “in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, the province of Asia, and Bithynia” (1 Peter 1:1 NET). The implication is, will Jesus cross the sea to go to Jews who dwell in a world unknown to them?

The Jews are so confused and utter “What does he mean by saying, ‘You will seek me and you will not find me,’ and, ‘Where I am you cannot come’?” (John 7:36 ESV). There is nothing more to say here than to realize these Jews are spiritually dead and are unable to understand any reference made to spiritual things. They simply could not grasp the idea of a spiritual kingdom beyond this worldly kingdom they were currently a part of.

Prayer

Father, thank you that I know that Jesus is with you and I know that one day I will be with you also because of what Jesus accomplished by coming and dying for my sin and then rising from the dead. Father, I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide and empower me to invest the time I have left wisely.

Sent to Arrest Jesus

Lesson #129

This lesson will be the first of two on the section defined by John 7:32 – 36. “The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest him” (John 7:32 ESV). The Pharisees were deeply troubled over the common person thinking about Jesus and sharing their thoughts with one another. They felt threatened by the influence Jesus was having over the people. They were afraid that this influence would weaken their control over the people and wanted to stop any further erosion of their authority. This is no different today in many countries. As people learn about Jesus and move toward a relationship with him, authorities feel threatened and apply pressure, often through persecution, to control the influence of their witness. The difference between then and now was the actual presence of Jesus. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees focused on removing the influence of Jesus by arresting him. Today the focus is on Christians who are influencing others through their witness. In either case the object is to eliminate the influence of Christianity on the current culture by silencing in some way the one who is witnessing.

“Jesus then said, “I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me.”” (John 7:33 ESV). It is not clear who Jesus is speaking to; was it the assembly of people or to those who came to arrest him or to both. I think we can be safe to say he is speaking to his enemies, informing them that they have no influence over his death until the time appointed by the Father. It is not only Jesus they are rejecting but the grace God is extending to them. Jesus was sent to them by the Father from heaven’s glory and was calling them to embrace him for their spiritual needs, but they would not receive him. In a little while he would leave, removing the offer of the grace of God from them.

Jesus makes it clear that he is in control of when he leaves and where he is going. His death will not be the end of his influence. At the appointed time he will die, but he, as we will see later, has the power to rise from the dead and through those who believe, continue to have an effective witness. No matter what his enemies try to do they will not be able to overcome what he was sent to accomplish. Once he returns to his Father, he will begin to live his life through those who believe and as hard as his opposition tries they will not be able to stamp out his witness.

Jesus continues by saying, “You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come” (John 7:34 ESV). If they are able to put Jesus to death, why would they want to then seek him. After dying on the cross they placed him in a sealed tomb, but on the third day the tomb was found to be empty. No matter how hard they look they will not find him because he went to be with his Father, a place where they cannot go. The death of Jesus or the death of believers is never wasted. The death and resurrection of Jesus provided salvation and on the death of believers the church is being built. What the Father has determined, no enemy can defeat. We must never forget that.

Prayer

Father, thank you that you are in control and will complete the process of transforming those you have chosen, before the foundation of the world, into the image of your Son. Thank you for the living hope you have given each one of us who believe. Thank you for your love for us and the kindness of your grace you extend to us.

Can This Be the Christ?

Lesson #128

The residents of Jerusalem were listening to and watching Jesus and questioning his identity. The Jewish authorities were convinced in their minds that Jesus could not be the Christ, the foretold Messiah, but there were others who believed he was; at least they saw him as their deliver from the bonds of Rome. Jesus concurs with them that they know where he is from as a man, but they simply can’t grasp that the Son of God dwells inside that body. Jesus refers to this by saying, “I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. I know Him, because I am from Him, and He sent Me” (John 7 28 – 29 NASB).

This was more that the Jewish authorities could accept “So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come” (John 7:30 ESV). The authorities had the will and were seeking an opportunity to arrest Jesus; they had the strength, but something seem to hinder them from carrying out their intent as no one laid a hand on him. God had a plan that he was executing and thus a schedule for Jesus to follow and until that time determined by God arrives, Jesus was protected against all their violence and furious attacks.

God’s plan included Jesus going to the cross as our sacrifice for sin; when, according to schedule, when the time is right we should not be surprised or alarmed when they finally drag him off to his death. Just as the death of Jesus had an exact time determined by God, we should understand that as we live from day to day we are under God’s authority and protection. As Calvin said, “It is difficult to believe that, while we are subject to so many accidents, exposed to so many open and concealed attacks both from men and beasts, and liable to so many diseases, we are safe from all risk until God is pleased to call us away.” For each of us as believers, God determined our time of birth, assigned us work to do with guidance and strength to do it in his time frame, and set a time of death. Between those two end points we are immortal and will complete the work assigned. I see this in my own life. There were three distinct times in my past when I should have died as a result of accident, but I was protected. There was work assigned to me to do in the distant land of China that I could never have even dreamed of when I was younger. The protection and guidance of God’s hand is so clear in my life that at times it nearly overwhelms me and surely humbles me.

“Yet many of the people believed in him. They said, “When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?”” (John 7:31 ESV). The people knew that God was going to raise up a prophet like Moses from among them, “And I (God) will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.” (Deuteronomy 18:18 ESV). Jesus like Moses had performed many miraculous signs and as a result it would be only natural for the people to wonder if Jesus was the Messiah.

Prayer

Father, thank you for your guidance and protection over my life. Thank you for your loving care as you molded my life to look and act more and more like that of Jesus. I long to see how you plan to use me and mold me in the days ahead. Truly, life under your hand is an adventure that has no other match. The world has nothing to offer that comes anywhere close to what life with you has to offer.

Who Is Jesus?

Lesson #127

With this lesson we will begin the next section defined by John 7:25 – 31. “Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, “Is not this the man whom they seek to kill?”” (John 7:25 ESV). It seems that the Jews, the rulers, had been sharing their desire to eliminate Jesus with some of the people of Jerusalem because they now question if Jesus is not the man whom the Jews seek to kill? “And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ?” (John 7:26 ESV). It is clear that these people are somewhat confused because here Jesus is speaking openly and the authorities, probably the Sanhedrin, are doing nothing about it. They wonder if the authorities have determined that Jesus is really the Christ. The people wonder about this because the Prophets have testified that the origin of Christ will be unknown. They said, “But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from” (John 7:27 ESV). Jesus really has an obstacle to overcome at this point.

Before we go any further we must stop and think about what is really happening here. The religious leaders have determined in their minds expectations for the coming Christ, the Messiah, and in their view, Jesus is not a good match and so they come up with arguments that explain why Jesus is not who he says he is. When Jesus confronts them and disproves their argument they contrive another argument against him. Sinful man will always come up with something that allows them to reject some new truth that is placed before them that doesn’t meet with their approval. It is no different today. We can decide what we want to believe and we will always have some argument that prevents us from accepting what God may be trying to teach us.

“So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know”” (John 7:28 ESV). In Micah 5:2 we are told that from Bethlehem a king would emerge that will rule over Israel, one whose origins are in the distant past. The Jews know where the man Jesus is from, but they can’t accept that he is anything more than that; they are not willing to accept that the one from Bethlehem, namely Jesus, existed in the distant past with God as the Son of God. Jesus points this out by explaining that he has not come on his own accord, but that he was sent by his Father. Jesus informs them that they do not know the one who sent him.

Jesus continues, “I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me” (John 7:29 ESV). Jesus continues to hold firm to who he is, where he is from, and who sent him. Jesus says that he knows the Father because he comes from him in obedience to his request. It is this eternal part of Jesus they can’t accept. They are unable to see that Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, was the door through which God entered; through which we may enter into the presence of the eternal God; God and man together in perfect union.

Prayer

Lord, you are such a great mystery to so many. It seems that unless God gives one understanding that person will not see or accept the deity of Jesus. Most people cannot get beyond the human level. Father, thank you for choosing me, drawing me to yourself, preparing me spiritually to desire Jesus, and giving me to him as a gift. Lord, thank you for unconditionally accepting me and giving me eternal life.