And 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
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 8:21-8:30, where Jesus continues to teach in the temple in Jerusalem after the Feast of Booths, and now He describes how He is from Heaven and from the Father, and this gives Him the authority to judge and condemn those who do not believe in Him. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus once again refers to soon His to be ascension to Heaven following His death on the cross and that if you don't believe in Him (as the Jews do not) they will "die in [their] sin) - v21. In response to the Jews who think He is going to kill Himself (v22), Jesus shares that He is from above - Heaven - clarifying where He is going (to be seated at the right hand of God), and that He is not of this world (v23). Jesus repeats the promise that if you don't believe in Him, You will die in your sins (v24) - emphasizing an important Gospel (negative) promise and warning. In response to the Jews' continued confusion about what Jesus is saying (vv25, 27) and their questioning, Jesus shares that His message has been consistent "from the beginning" (v25). He then goes on to share that He has much to say about the Jews and much to judge (v26) and what He has declared about them He learned from the Father, who is He is true. In v28, Jesus reinforces the point that upon His resurrection, they will know that He is from the Father and the Father has granted Him authority to share what He has been sharing (and for these words to be true). Vv29-30 pivots to a hopeful message how the Father is always with Jesus and how Jesus seeks to please the Father, and how upon Jesus saying these things "many believed in Him."
- What do we learn from the text about people?: The Jewish leaders and Pharisees don't really want to earnestly learn about Jesus, as their questions are motivated by anger and spite as they seek to do harm to Jesus (arrest and kill). This questioning is more to trap Jesus into heresy or sin so that the Jews have a basis to condemn Jesus - which of course we know they will never have. We should strive to understand people's questions and have mercy on those who doubt (Jude 22-23).
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid judging others as this is for God alone to do. Claim the promise that Jesus is who He says is and that He is Lord and Savior. Follow Jesus' example to please the Father. Obey the command to bring glory to Him in all that we do (1 Corinthians 10:31).
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves - I am not deserving. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
