The Gospel of John Lesson 31 (4-21-2013) John 9:1-10

The Gospel of John Lesson 31 (4-21-2013)

Lesson 31 – John 9:1-10

After Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees in chapter 8 which ended with their picking up stones to stone Him you would have thought that He, Jesus, would have learned His lesson and would have taken a more subdued posture or profile in His public ministry for a season, letting things calm down some. But, this was not the case. Many Bible commentators believe that the beginning of chapter 9 is a direct continuation of the happenings of chapter 8 and directly in leaving the scene found in chapter 8 Jesus pauses to do another public act of obedience to the Father’s will that will get Him into even more and deeper trouble with Israel’s religious leaders than we saw in chapter 8.

How could this be possible? How much worse could it get? (We know where it eventually ends) Chapter 8 ends with these religious leaders not only wanting to do Jesus bodily harm, but at the end of chapter 8 we actually see them perform the actions that they had been thinking all along picking up stones intending to stone Him to death.

But, His time had not yet come. Their actions and intentions were not yet to be. However, leaving that scene after having such an encounter He turns right around and performs another public miracle that could potentially insight these religious leaders to make another attempt on His life. What would motivate Him to do so? We find the answer in v. 4 of chapter 9. He tells us and His disciples that His full resolve was to serve and perform the will of the Father. He would do so even at the risk of losing His life.

In v. 4 He reminds His disciples of a very important principle while they are in this present world, that is that they only have a limited amount of time to do what God has for them to do while on this earth. Many Bible expositors believe that at this point in Jesus’ ministry that Jesus was only about 6 months from the Cross. There was much yet to do. God the Father had given Him a mission. He was to turn those who would eventually believe toward their Father making God known to them. He was the Light. They, the people and this world had been in darkness. Before the darkness of death on the Cross was to be Jesus would have to display the Light so that those who would come to believe would follow Him even through the period of night on the Cross.

Time was short. There was not much daylight left to manifest His works proving Who He was and making clear the offer that He was making to them. Again, many believe that the night of death is what He was referring to here. His work needed to be fully completed before this event happened. He was the ‘Light of the World’. As we are aware the Light of the world left us (for a season) following His crucifixion and resurrection. It is true that He did not leave us comfortless, but He did leave and we see here in the beginning of chapter 9 that He knew that the time of His Presence and influence in revealing the Kingdom of God to a dark world was short. His night was coming. Being the Light of the world His leaving meant that our night was coming too. There was not much day left. He needed to complete His work while it was still light.

Being Jesus’ disciples He has given us the same example. He tells us that in essence that we to only have so much time to do the things that the Father has for us to do accomplishing His mission in life while we are here. The key part of the last sentence is ‘in life’, which is the light so to speak of our life. Do we have a plan of how this time of our life is to be spent? Once we pass from this life what we have done is done whether we completed our task(s) or not. We cannot add anything… words, actions, or deeds once we die or pass from this earth.

It is also true that once gone we cannot right any wrongs that we were responsible for. Jesus here admonishes us to work while it is light in this world and in the light of our life or while we are alive. A day will come when our labor will be finished completed or not. Let’s hope that we will have done enough. A parallel passage would be Jn. 4:34-8. (Call to action. Give moment for thought and personal response. I want to give you an opportunity right now to refocus your life to take more direct steps to get involved to do your part in establishing God’s Kingdom)

After leaving the confrontational and basically hostile situation in chapter 8 Jesus and His disciples pass by a man that had been born blind or had been blind from birth. The disciples bring up one of those mysterious questions that you may have often want to ask, but rarely get a chance to ask anyone with enough wisdom and/or experience that might give you the right answer.

Up to this point all they had gotten was answers concerning one’s opinions or thoughts on this topic. But, for some reason down inside the answers that had been given were really not definitive always leaving them with the question down inside asking ‘I know that I have heard supposedly what the possible answers were, but what is the real answer?’ They figured that Jesus would know so they asked Him for the answer of why someone from birth ends up this way in a situation such as this? In getting their response from Jesus they were expecting to get one of two answers in reply.

From their point of view, what they had been taught was the commonly believed theory that all infirmities, troubles and afflictions were given as punishment or as a consequence for sins or wrong actions done by them or somebody directly connected to them such as a connected family member. They would have probably quoted verses such as Num. 14:18 as their justification for their reasoning. This was not only a commonly held belief in Jesus’ day, but is also a commonly held belief by many today. But, Jesus tells them that there is at least a third answer telling them that in reality there is only one answer, ‘that all is done to show forth the glory of God!’

In this case He in answering them dispels the myth that all afflictions are the result of a person’s personal or family sin. It is true that sin and its resulting effects are the cause of many physical, emotional, relational and spiritual problems and complications, but not in every case. Some conditions and situations or physical ailments are not the direct result of the afflicted person’s sin or as in this case not even the fault of those near or related to them.

In v. 3 Jesus shares with them the bigger picture that this situation was given to show forth God’s glory and in this particular situation to reveal who Jesus was to the people. People like this in their society, as in many cultures, were looked at and treated as outcasts honestly believing that infirmities such as this could only be deserved by being more wicked than others and were treated as outcasts. But, if we were to stop and consider such logic we would quickly come to the realization that this could not be true for if it was true then the religious leaders that we saw in chapter 8 would have been maimed, lame and grossly afflicted with leprosy and the like for in chapter 8 Jesus had declared them to be gross sinners and some of the most wicked men in God’s eyes on the face of the earth.

One thing that comes out in this passage is that basically ‘God’s mercy reigns’ here on earth at the present. Even though God does display His justice in His acts here on earth at this time we must conclude that for a season He has offered His mercy to us delaying our final verdict at least for a season. One would have to agree that in this world at present we do not see His judgment instantaneously for wrongs committed whether they be large or small and His mercy is seen much more prevalent to us at this time than His judgment.

This is an interesting passage of Scripture here. In essence Jesus is saying here that not only this man’s life and infirmity, but our life and all lives are influenced by God’s Personal touch for His glory. In other words, God had a plan for this man’s life. It included this day found right here. At a point in this man’s life God chose to make him whole concerning his infirmity. We do not see this man even ask Jesus to heal him. But God in His wisdom and in His mercy chose to use this moment to free this man from his blindness for His Glory.

We see as we read further in this chapter that because of this man’s experience which included the time prior to his healing and the circumstances surrounding his healing that his heart eventually turned toward God and he became a strong witness for the Lord who was willing to accept persecution for testifying concerning what had happened being truly grateful for God’s mercy and touch.

After God’s touch this man realized that there was another side to life, a side of life that had a real and a personal connection to a Living God that cared about him. His heart receiving God’s mercy could do nothing but praise Him.

In telling His disciples that not all bad things of this life are related directly to personal sin He reveals that indeed bad things do happen to so called good people and that our lives are tempered and filled with God’s wisdom and influence meant for His Glory His using the good or bad from our point of view for His purposes.

This man’s infirmity was seen as a curse by those in his culture. God meant it as an eventual blessing and used it to His praise as Jesus reveals to us here. We do not always see it as so. But, the beauty of situations such as this in being a part of what is happening is that we get to participate in and receive the benefits of His praise and His glory being involved which has an ending that can only be good. This is what this man being blind from birth found to be true and he could not say enough good about what had happened.

We see in vs. 6 and 7 that Jesus tests the man’s faith. He spits on the ground and makes mud and puts it on the man’s eyes,..not a recipe for healing blindness, and tells him to go and wash it off. The man obeys and to his surprise receives the blessing of his obedience for the first time in his life seeing. I truly wonder how that must have felt to him. To see for the first time, what an amazing thing. The man overcome with what has happened goes and tells everyone.

This was a public display of God’s mercy and power. His neighbors and those around him knew who he was. They also knew that he was blind and had been so since birth. However, now they encountered someone who looked just like him, but with one difference, this man could see. In v. 9 and 10 some of his neighbors question if it was actually him. But, the man born blind straightens them out by telling them that it is he and they end up asking him how this thing came to be. 

Men’s Dock in Retreat – A Quest for Commitment - April 12-3, 2013

Men’s Dock in Retreat – April 12-3, 2013

Men’s Retreat Theme and Friday Night Study Title - A Quest for Commitment

Read John 8:28-31

Explain setting for this passage

V. 28 Jesus mentioned something that got the attention of those present that day that changed their opinion of Him turning their doubt to belief. But, Jesus although acknowledging their belief which appeared to be, and probably was genuine, questioned the depth of their commitment to Him telling them that He would know that their commitment was truly real if they would continue in His teachings making His teachings a lifestyle and part of their life.

Read Jn. 15:1-10a.

In this passage of Scripture we find Jesus having a frank and honest talk with His disciples. If you were to think about it this was an intimate moment. I am a big believer in the right time and the right setting as much as possible when trying to convey important truths especially spiritual truths to those you love and I often wonder what the setting was or surroundings were and what events occurred that preceded this teachable moment found here in John 15. (might ask for opinions explaining the possible setting)

But, here in this passage in John 15 Jesus talks intimately with His disciples about commitment. In reality, if you were to look at Jesus’ method of teaching and discipleship you could sum up His method by saying that in essence if you were to divide the process or journey with Him into steps you might notice that each phase or step of His teaching was actually a call to go deeper, calling His disciples to a deeper commitment to His teachings and a deeper commitment to Him.

If you were to think about it isn’t this what any relationship is all about? It is not just time spent together, but time spent together in relationship. One that calls those involved in that fellowship or relationship to a deeper commitment and trust for and in each other.

As Jesus called His disciples toward a deeper commitment He also met them personally in a deeper relationship which included fellowship. We see that here later in this chapter, chapter 15, making it clear that they are no longer called servants, but wanted them to know His feelings for them making it clear to them that He actually called them friends. Jn. 15:15-7

One of the clear messages in Scripture is commitment. One might ask how committed are we, and a follow up question could be to what?? It appears that one of the characteristics of modern day man is the commitment to being uncommitted. Not only is our commitment to Christ often more superficial, but our commitment to each other and to the responsibilities of life are also not too solid or firm. It seems that we would be willing to break a commitment at a moment’s notice for not much of an excuse at all.

Well it is time for us as guys to get real and give a straightforward answer to this area of our life. How committed are you to this thing that Christ offered to you about following Him having a true focus on eternal life. One of the things that I want to ask you is ‘How committed to Him and His call are you?’ You don’t need to answer that right here out loud to this group tonight, but I think that it is a question worth asking yourself honestly preferably at some point tonight being honest keeping it between you and God. Jesus in John 8:31 asked this same question to those who most believe had truly taken a big step toward Jesus.

In Luke’s Gospel in chapter 9 we find some other examples of Jesus’ teachings on discipleship as He attempted to call those He was talking with to take a step, a large step and a strong one, toward commitment to His cause and His message. He gives us some examples of what type of commitment He was looking for. Read Lk. 9: 57-62 and ask what do you think about the level of commitment asked for here in these verses? Read v. 61-2 and comment on them. Jesus here makes it clear that He wants us focused on the Kingdom before us and not on the world around us or behind.

Jesus is calling us to a more meaningful and purposeful commitment to the things that are important in our life. It is true that first and foremost He is calling us to commit ourselves to our relationship with Him. He tells us that this relationship of commitment will be tested by how we are committed to His ways not in a legalistic way, but in a relational way, where we can be trusted with a mission and/or a task.

But, I think that He is calling us to a deeper commitment also to other things in our lives, to each other, to our spouses if we have one, our children and to our work and the people that we are involved with in life on a regular basis. One way our commitment to them will be tested is if we are committed enough to carry the Gospel to them and intentionally share it with them giving them opportunity to commit themselves to Christ also.

God is calling us as men and especially as Christian men to be more committed to Him and to the things in our life in a real way. But, what does that look like? At first glance and encounter one might say, ‘Oh, no, not another thing to do’. But, the type of commitment that Jesus is referring to is freeing not burdensome. We must be careful not to think that the commitment that He is referring to means that we should be committed to everything that we might consider a good cause expecting to be able to ‘do it all!’ In doing so we are setting ourselves up for failure. He is not calling us to this.

His call to us is not one of additional commitments, but one of reprioritization and focus letting go of the many commitments that have no real (lasting) value replacing them with tasks that are much more in our league and have greater heavenly and earthly value. We must prioritize those things in our lives committing ourselves fully to the things that we know are given to us by God to commit to. No more. No less. This is not always easy.

The question of whether or not we commit to do something or not should not be whether we can fit it into our schedule or not, but instead ‘does this fit into what God is doing and where He is taking me in life’. In other words, asking is this what He has given me to do? In doing so our life will become clearer to us and to those around us, clearly seeing what God is doing with us instead of the hectic busy activity that has no clarity or apparent purpose to those around us in turn having little impact upon them toward God.

We must also, however, let people know of our inability to be committed to their thing when what they are asking is not something that God wants us to be involved in. In other words, our lives need to be clearer to God, to ourselves and to those around us that those around us may clearly see what God is doing in our lives.

Lk. 9:62 tells us to look down the row that you are hoeing having your eye and focus on the end of the row and aiming for it. When you are looking straight ahead your peripheral vision comes into play. Your peripheral vision is given to you to make you aware of things that you may potentially need to deal with in life as you travel. Some guys in applying these concepts can make the mistake of putting blinders on becoming blind to everything except their destination. I think that this is a mistake. There are other things in life that need to be dealt with as you are traveling to reach your goal.

By focusing on and committing to what God has for you and your family specifically to do your choices become easier. When presented with an option or task to perform before you are asked you should already have an inclination as to whether or not God might be in what is set before you. It is prideful to think that every good cause or endeavor is for us to do.

It is true that we should not turn a deaf ear to real needs or concerns that come our way. Sometimes demands that are placed before us have a way of getting our attention and it is true that God may indeed be in them. But, we must go to God and seek His guidance for His will concerning our commitment and involvement or level of involvement for even noble causes. Some things are simply not meant for us in this life and may be a task meant for someone else. Taking on every good cause that comes our way dramatically lessons our ability to do the tasks that God has given us to do being unable to do them well. When over committed many of the tasks that are given to us from God in the end are either not done well, are left incomplete or do not get done at all also not receiving His blessing that goes along with being obedient.

James 1:8 tells us that a double minded man is unstable in all of his ways. Being over committed, as well as, not being fully committed to those things that God has given to us to do causes instability in our life and in the life of our families. Many a home has been wrecked by over commitment. It is also true that not being fully committed to those things that God gives us as our responsibility to do can be just as damaging. In our day we see the need to be fully committed to those things that God truly is in in our lives and yet be less committed to those things that do not ultimately come from God. In doing so we will see the focus in our lives and what we should be doing clear up making it easier to be confident in knowing what God is calling us to do. In doing so others will also clearly see that God truly is at work in our lives and may start asking questions wanting to know how they can know God’s will for their life and do the same. 

The Gospel of John Lesson 30 (4-13-2013) John 8:44-59

The Gospel of John Lesson 30 (4-13-2013)

Lesson 30 – John 8:44-59

In pondering v. 44 briefly as we continue our study from last week some interesting truths should be stated as we begin our study this week. This is a powerful section of Scripture when one stops to ponder the implications found here. First this passage, v.44, in conjunction with other passages concerning Satan reminds us that all of the trouble found in God’s creation began with Satan. To be clear about this this would include all strife such as lying, deception, wars, killings and murders, greed, rebellion and so forth also including the big one all ‘death’. If you were to think about it that would mean that prior to Satan’s existence there were none of these things…including death.

Let’s stop to think about that for a moment. Prior to Satan’s existence all was right with God’s creation whatever that was at that time. There was nothing wrong with it at all, not even in the least. Perfection, harmony, and peace did exist in God’s creation at a prior time, but all that changed when Satan appeared on the scene and chose to rebel against God. The Apostle John gives us further revelation concerning this in I John chapter 3 v. 8 where he says ‘the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil’. I bring this up in preparation to Jesus’ statement that we will see in v. 51.

In v. 45 and 46 Jesus reminds them to make a comparison between their actions and His and Who He represents. Again, He was not trying to win a verbal contest here. He said what He said hoping to get a response. The problem was that He did get a response, but it wasn’t the response that He had hoped for. Although we find Jesus’ response to these religious leaders often direct and to the point we also find His response not only controlled, but also appropriate, attempting to encourage them to make steps in the right direction seeking forgiveness.

But, their response to Jesus’ statements was not the same as Jesus’ response to them. They were not looking for the truth in their discussion as Jesus was. In v. 48 we see them respond out of total frustration and jealousy, in essence loosing it, hurling insults in essence attempting to defame Him publically. Remember, they were not looking for the truth they were just looking for a way to do away with Him. But again, we see Jesus’ response and answer to their action in v. 48 being straightforward only restating and proclaiming the truth.

Jesus was never shy or timid about standing up for or rephrasing what was said making it clear as to what the Truth was. Again, this was a public venue. He had come to proclaim the truth and the way to God to those who were looking for the truth and would listen. He was not justifying or proving Himself here. He did not need to prove himself to anyone including man. Jn. 5:34

What the Pharisees were saying was full of deception and deceit. Those listening would end up confused losing their way if Jesus did not straighten them out on the details. In restating the truth in this fashion in the form of a rebuttal Jesus teaches us a lot of foundational truths and doctrinal realities concerning the Kingdom, truths that might not be so easy to convey if He had used another format to teach them to us.

In v. 51 as this debate progresses He brings up another perspective and principle of His Kingdom. He brings this principle up seemingly out of nowhere from a human perspective at first appearing to be totally unrelated to the conversation at hand.

He makes a very bold statement here. He tells them that if they follow His teaching and keep His sayings that they will never die. In saying this we see Him retag with His original statement to them concerning being His disciple at the beginning of this conversation found in v. 31. In doing so He resumes His teaching extolling the benefits of following and practicing His teachings and seeking out His Kingdom. All too often we forget that in His offer to us He was not only offering forgiveness of one’s sins, but with this forgiveness came a prize…life,…life that never ended, Eternal life, in other words, restoring His creation to what it was like before Satan entered the picture.

It was/is like a two sided coin. On the one side was the forgiveness of the pain and penalty of sin. On the other side was the gift of life, life containing no death. Life that does not have any death associated with it is life eternal having no end. Even if we finally understand Jesus’ offer of forgiveness of sin all too often we do not fully understand and receive the benefit that goes with this transaction embracing the full meaning of the word ‘life’ that only He can offer.

In this world connected to and implied with the word life is a component that is not fully life at all. For in the meaning of the word life that we use is wrapped up in it also the implication of it being temporary or not fully or completely alive. In essence the life that we are familiar with shows the signs of life, but in actuality this life that we know gives way to something which appears to be even more powerful than this life ending up in death. So all of life here in our world other than eternal life has associated with it and wrapped up in it the element of death, death being stronger than life and eventually winning out. All life other than eternal life is slowly dying, but dying none the less.

He makes a bold statement here in v. 51 to all who were there that to them is ‘unbelievable’ and does not make sense. Initially we might agree with their logic and lines of reasoning, but Jesus seeing the whole picture views reality from another perspective.

In the next few verses we will see them state their perspective from their limited point of view. There viewpoint is a common one, probably the most common view held by mankind that there is. To them death is the end of this temporary life and it is universal without exception. These here were religious leaders and in reality should have understood this concept concerning life eternal which continues after the grave with God. Eternal life is an inseparable part of God and His creation. But, again there is more to this topic than meets the eye and Jesus knew and understood a few more details that must be included on this subject before one could become an authority on it which is what they claimed to be.

In considering what is discussed here it is imperative that we mention that we do not have a full picture of all that there is concerning ‘reality’. We actually do not know much concerning reality if we were to be real honest with ourselves. Life and death is one of those for us unsolved mysteries that we find when approached with human logic has no definite answer and at best all we can do is to offer an opinion on it not having any real firsthand experience.

What we see of what is really reality is not much and there is a lot that goes on that affects final outcomes and consequences that happens behind the scenes that is virtually imperceptible to us. All too often there is a larger mystery at work that can only be perceived by us by exercising faith in God and His Promises and His ways. In other words, the mystery of death can only be fully understood by believing God.

Jesus makes a promise here in v. 51 that is hard for them to receive and to understand. In the next few verses they will share their puzzlement again from their limited point of view and understanding. Most of us will be able to identify with them.

In John chapter 5:24 we see Jesus make an important statement concerning the topic of life, death and how it relates to us. Again, here in this verse as in others He states the result of believing in Him offering forgiveness and not being condemned, but here associated with this statement He uses a term that is intriguing. He says that those who have been forgiven have passed or crossed over from death to life inferring real life, life that is not bundled up with eventual death.

God never intended death to be any part of life. To God life was just that ‘Life’ and no part of it contained death in any fashion. This goes back to what the Apostle John said at the beginning of his Gospel in chapter 1:4 where he says concerning Jesus ‘In Him was Life and that Life was the Light of men’. His revelation to us in 1:4 does not contain the element of death at all. Not a bit.

This concept was so foreign to those leaders there that day that what Jesus said in v. 51 made no sense at all to them telling Him that what He said is proof positive from their point of view He was not connected with reality actually accusing Him of being possessed. What opinion would we have formed if we had been there on that day? Was it the reality of those there that suffered perspective? What about us? If we were present would we have sided with them and their perspective or Jesus?

My perception is if we were real honest with ourselves we in all likelihood would have at least wondered if Jesus was not going a bit too far with His claim concerning not dying. This death thing is a hard topic to deal with comparing what we see as reality and these spiritual truths concerning God’s reality concerning eternal life.

Jesus will soon show us what He meant in making this statement in v. 51 when we get to John chapter 11 when He calls forth the righteous man Lazarus in chapter 11 from the grave. We will see that from Jesus’ perspective of reality that the cleansing and complete removal of sin can only result in one reality, that is life eternal. A concept that is totally foreign to our sense of reality.

In v. 52 they bring up this thing again about being connected as descendants to Abraham. They say this as if they were super committed followers of Abraham and his teachings when in reality all that they viewed or revered Abraham for was some dead facts of history using their connection to him for their own selfish benefit.

They viewed Abraham as being dead and gone. They even say just that in v. 52 and 53 saying that Abraham died a long time ago and seemingly actually infer that in their reality Abraham is not connected with the present other than his ancestry and some saved historical facts. In v. 53 they go one step further also including the prophets as being dead and gone in essence denying their existence and influence past the grave.

What an awful perspective of religious leaders that were suppose to be preparing the people for life eternal with God. No wonder Jesus was so upset with them. They really did close off heaven to those that He had come to redeem. This was serious.

In v. 56 Jesus takes this eternal life reality to a whole new level telling them essentially that Abraham is not only not dead, but actually was present and saw Jesus arrive on earth rejoicing and participating in the celebration. This was just too much for them. Their logic and His reality in no way connected saying so in v. 57.

In v. 58 He pushes them over the top. He makes the claim that He existed even before Abraham. This was too much. They respond essentially in rage attempting to carry out their original intention of putting Him to death. This was an action that they were unable to carry out death not being in their realm of control. 

The Gospel of John Lesson 29 (4-06-2013) John 8:42-47

The Gospel of John Lesson 29 (4-06-2013)

Lesson 29 – John 8:42-47

Over the next several verses, vs. 42-7, the dialog continues going back and forth pretty much hashing over the same issues, that is, except one thing. In v. 44 Jesus tells them plainly who their father is putting it out into the open for all to see. To them this was a reality that was considered a slap in the face. They had refused to identify and agree with what He was insinuating and Jesus had no option but to clearly and openly declare the truth. Ouch!

Jesus did not make this statement out of losing control just blurting something out being overcome from frustration attempting to win an argument. We must remember that in all these pointed and somewhat heated discussions that this was God speaking and as such He was bound to only stating that which was true. But, they were still after all of their discussion unwilling to face the truth. They had forced Jesus to go deeper in revealing their offence and problem revealing the source of the problem, their father the devil, too them.

But, before we point a finger at those mentioned here in this passage we must study this encounter while remembering to look at ourselves also in the mirror as we ponder the truths found here. For you see, we find our self in reality in the same position as them often denying the reality of our family tree and our intimate connection originally with sin and the one who sin originated with. Read Eph. 2:1-3

He tells them in v. 44 of John chapter 8 that in reality they were originally the offspring of the devil and that their works prove this to be so. Again Jesus brings up something that they could not deny, them wanting to kill Him. They had indeed plotted to kill Him which they could not deny. This was a direct violation of the Law that they claimed to embrace and reminds them who the father of this kind of action is. Their premeditated desire to kill Him could only be connected to one family tree and it wasn’t Abraham’s or God’s for that matter.

The Apostle John will make this clear again to those who are claiming to follow Jesus I Jn. 3:1-10 telling them that the children of the devil are clearly identifiable by their sinful habits and lifestyle, God’s children being characterized by love.

In v. 44 of chapter 8 Jesus pours salt on their wound by essentially identifying them with the one Jesus said was their father by telling them that by taking the position that they are taking that they are not identifying with the truth, but by not receiving and upholding the truth they are actually carrying out and propagating the works of the one that they belong to their father the devil. In doing so Jesus declares plainly that there is essentially no neutral or middle ground telling them in essence that they are either for Him and the truth or they are against Him and His message.

In the next few verses Jesus tells them to judge His actions and works again telling them clearly what the two choices are and in essence telling them to ‘make their choice’, telling them to make it full and clear ending up clearly on one side or the other. He reminds them that their actions will clearly declare which side they have chosen. In v. 48 we will see clearly what side they will choose.

V. 44 is a key and very important verse stating clearly some important truths concerning sin and the author of it. In looking at this passage appropriately we need to look at what is said here remembering that in Scripture all of man and his works or actions are placed in one of two buckets or camps. They are either the works of children of the Kingdom God being their Father or they are the works of the children of this world having the devil as their father. Read Eph. 2:2

This is borne out clearly in other passages of Scripture that there is a division of all mankind into one of two groups. One of the most prominent passages is found in Matt. Chapter 25:31-46 where the Son of Man will eventually divide all peoples and all nations into these two groups. In that passage He divides all of the peoples of the nations into what He terms either the group called His sheep or a group designated as goats. In reading this passage we find that there is no third group, just these two. All of the people of the world are found either in one group or the other. But, He also tells those here that they have a choice as to which group they want to be in.

In saying what Jesus says in v. 44 He in reality is not doing a dispose so to speak exposing the total depravity of Satan, but in reality He is giving those present a warning that if they are children of this one then they are also made up of the same stuff as him and as such they are fully capable of acting and being just like him. This is scary stuff! In sharing what He shared He did so in hopes that they might reconsider their ways before they ended up just like their father, being beyond hope.

Even though v. 44 is more for the benefit of those religious leaders that were present warning them of the end of such logic and lifestyle, there are, however, some important points concerning Satan that are helpful to us in choosing how we approach life tempering our perspective in how we view things.

In v. 44 John mentions two of Satan’s many un-admirable attributes. He tells us that Satan is a murderer and a liar. In this verse the Apostle John makes it clear that the act of lying began or originated with the devil here referring to him as the ‘father’ of lies. He also reminds us of the same concerning murder and goes even further identifying him, Satan, as essentially the source of all trouble saying that there is no truth found in him at all.

If we were to stop and ponder what the Apostle John is saying or implying here it is that if you were to gather all sin or wrong acts ever committed and traced them back through their learned origin and often execution person to person or step by step all wrong or evil actions would be traced back to only one source. Satan.

If the entire universe were able to point a finger at the source of all the trouble it would come down to one source and one person, the devil. He is not the cause of most of the trouble, but is the originator and the cause of ‘all’ of the trouble working behind the scenes influencing and tempting those involved in his work and schemes to be involved performing his work often unaware of his presence. And, he did not just start the ball rolling, but continues to this day and is intimately involved in the details of this world and his evil schemes and would desire all of God’s creation to do the same him ending up being the head of it all. This one, he, is ‘bad to the bone’. Eph. 2:2-3

A fictional example of this is found the Sherlock Holmes mysteries in the character of Professor Moriaty. In these novels Professor Moriaty is portrayed as a very intelligent brilliant individual that is secretly pulling strings and setting in motion events that affect and change the landscape and direction of the world which he initiates for his own purposes and for his own benefit.

In these novels and TV mystery series episodes Professor Moriaty is not portrayed as someone lurking in the shadows down a back alley, but we find him set as an individual in a public and prominent position a leader in world affairs and knowledge having a public position at a prominent university. This is an individual that the world would seek out and consult for answers. He would be asked to speak at commencements and graduations and other important events. Yet, with his mastermind no one would ever dream of what he does in his spare time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgMPOwt9S-A

Almost every major world conflict or confrontation had a seemingly insignificant beginning being traced back to one or only several individuals. World leaders know that sometimes it is the most obscure incident that begins a conflict that rises to global significance. However, once the wheels are set in motion and as events progress it is almost impossible to trace the outcome back to its beginning and the one it began with.

Those present here in John chapter 8 literally had no idea that they were connected to such an evil source, but Jesus says that they were still intimately involved with this sinister person and actually were performing his works not God’s carrying out their master’s plan instead of God the Father’s.

In looking at all trouble, pain and heartache in this world caused by all the injustice, acts of greed, selfishness and hate an obvious question would arise, ‘How did it all get started? How did it get this way?’

If it were possible to somehow trace all the evil that we see back to its source and beginning it would all be traced back to one source found here in v. 44, the devil. Jesus here in this verse makes it very clear that Satan was a murder right from the beginning and that there was no truth found in him at all his actions being devoid of any goodness whatsoever, none. This is a truth that truly is hard for us to fully comprehend. This is who Jesus was associating them with. They, also, had trouble comprehending that such a thing could be true that they were actually actively involved in and supporting and working for in actually ‘the other side’.

The obvious observation and question is that these religious people were fooled and were not connected to One that they would have openly claimed to be associated with. The Question arises, ‘What about us?’ How do we know that we are rightly connected to the One true God and in actuality a part of His family? Even His disciples wondered about this when they ate their last meal together with Christ after Jesus told them that someone at their table would end up betraying Him.

The answer is actually simple. Here in this chapter Jesus offers us the same offer of full and complete forgiveness that He offered to those here in chapter 8. In this chapter Jesus points to and clearly reveals the problem and obstacle between God and man telling us and them that we are originally in bondage to sin, v. 34, and will remain there until we die to face God in judgment if we do not receive the offer that He made to those here in chapter 8, v. 21, 24.

Those shown here in this dialog and discussion made an obvious choice shown to us in v. 48. They chose not to believe Him and His message choosing instead to bear the debt and penalty of their sin. Were these some of the same ones that we saw earlier in v. 30? We do not know for sure. But, in taking this encounter and dialog in full context one could wonder if those in v. 30 actually fully bought into what Jesus was selling or if it was just infatuation that faded as a deeper commitment to the Savior was required. 

The Gospel of John Lesson 28 (3-31-2013)

The Gospel of John Lesson 28 (3-31-2013)

Lesson 28 – John 8:31-41

After telling those present that he would be lifted up and that when that happened that they would know that He is indeed the Promised One many change their opinion of Him and John tells us believed on Him. In v. 31 He sets the standard or mark for evaluating whether one’s faith was genuine or not telling them that if your actions meet your words over time then you can be encouraged that your faith was genuine.

One commentator on this passage made the distinction concerning their reaction here to what Jesus had said saying that those Jews present in actuality had truly at this point believed that He was indeed the One He claimed to be and that He was the One sent from God, but as yet they had not committed themselves to Him as His followers. This is why he believes that Jesus made this statement found here concerning discipleship in v. 31. One example of what this commentator meant might be like the emotion of love or caring. Even proper love or caring for someone or something is just that an emotion and emotions change by themselves until commitment is added. Jesus was telling them that their actions would tell Him if they were committed or not to Him.

Later Jesus after presenting His full declaration of His offer of salvation to the world will give us an even clearer picture of what a true follower or disciple of His really looks like. Following His resurrection recorded in Matt. 28:19-20, He will tell His followers that a true disciple will also go and make other disciples teaching them also the things that they have practiced and learned from Jesus.

But, Jesus goes on to make a statement in v. 32 that does not ring true or fully resonate with those Jews who were listening that day proving that they hadn’t fully received Him without reservation. He tells them in v. 31 and 32 that if they truly were committed to Him and had become His followers that they would begin to see the complete reality of the Truth that He had been proclaiming to them and would receive it making it part of their life and their lifestyle and because of the new knowledge and lifestyle they would be free from the bondage and darkness that they had been held in. The only problem was that they did not realize that they were in bondage. They bring up the point of their ancestry in response, in their mind identifying themselves with Abraham being his offspring claiming not to be in bondage at all.

It was true that technically they were Abraham’s offspring and they were actually his descendants, but the part about the bondage confuses me. They make the statement that they have never been in bondage to any man. At the present time of this conversation these men and people were in bondage and were ruled by the Romans, and prior to this they had been in bondage to the Greeks, the Medes and Persians, the Assyrians, the Babylonians and the Egyptians. So, their statement to Him was not well founded.

But, there was one more thing that they were in bondage to that they had not recognized that was even more devastating than all of those afore mentioned conquests and conquerors. That was their bondage to sin which they were totally blind to. Oh, how quickly things change. A verse or two earlier they begin to believe that He is the One, but their true need to commit themselves to the Savior admitting that they were really right now in bondage not just a little bit, but a lot, and, in need of some serious help to be set free was difficult. The conversation really gets interesting from here.

In v. 34 and 35 He makes a clear distinction between them and Him. In these verses He addresses them as servants making it clear that their claim to be part of the family by inheritance was not completely accurate and might have been more wishful thinking on their part. He makes a distinction here that physical birth or physical nationality was not enough to make peace with God and in essence in these verses He differentiates between physical and spiritual birth. We remember that He addressed the same thing with Nicodemus in chapter 3 informing Nicodemus that to be adopted into God’s family one needed a second birth, a spiritual birth, initiated and preformed by God Himself. Being born into a Christian home did not make them a Christian.

They had referred to Abraham assuming that they knew how this family thing worked. But, they did not take into account God’s part of the equation. They were forgetting the spiritual component of Abraham and his relationship with God which they did not have.

In v. 35 He tells them that even though they are an Israelite by birth or nationality that essentially all that does is to let them into the house so to speak letting them in on a servant level, in other words, in the house, but not part of God’s family, and He makes this clear by making a clear distinction between Him and them. He tells them that a servant does not abide in the House forever, but the True Son does, and in saying this in this way He identifies Himself as that Son.

In v. 36, as the Son and Official heir, He makes to them as servants, and us also, an offer to be FREE from the indentured servant position to be freed from the debt that is upon them offering them full freedom not only having their debt released, but receiving adoption into the family with FULL benefits.

He continues in v. 37 by acknowledging that they were indeed earthly descendants of Abraham, but points out one of their major offenses, their wanting to kill Him. He ends v. 37 by reminding them that their actions prove that they are not Abraham’s offspring continuing in v. 38 reminding them to judge Him by His works proving that He is part of God’s family. He tells them to not forget to stop and use the same standard of judgment and judge themselves also at the same time. In doing so they will find that they will identify themselves by their works with their father, which by the way, was/is not God.

In vs. 39-40 they flatly deny His insinuation sticking to and depending solely upon their earthly connection to Abraham. But, Jesus tells them that action speaks louder than words and brings them back to the issue at hand telling them in essence that if Abraham were here that he would not claim them as his descendants. He, Abraham, did not do such things.

But, in v. 41 Jesus presses the point clearly openly stating who they are acting like and by their deeds that they should open their eyes to the reality that God cannot be their Father, but that they do indeed have a father and should face the reality of who that is. Their response is one of total denial, rejecting the facts that were just given and make a last ditched attempt to hold onto their claim to being part of God’s family.