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.
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