DAY #158: John 8:21-45

The Pharisees decided to try the direct approach; they asked Jesus, “Tell us who you are.” When the Pharisees pressed Jesus to declare his identity, he answered, “I am the one I have always claimed to be.” Jesus simply refused to answer their question, for to do so would have created an endless argument. Jesus had already revealed his identity to them through his speeches, his miracles, and the Father’s testimony about him. But the Pharisees were unable to understand because they were deaf to his word.

The Pharisees blocked out the possibility that Jesus had come from God the Father and was still accompanied by God the Father, even though Jesus mentioned this twice. Jesus was not alone; the Father who had sent him had come with him. Jesus had not come on his own, and he did not do anything of his own initiative. He lived to please his Father.

The passage concludes with a crack in the wall of resistance to Jesus. Many who heard, believed. Even among those most unyielding to Jesus were some who surrendered to his character and words. Groups may be labeled as being solidly against Christ, but God specializes in plucking out believers from the most unexpected sources.

To those who believed in him, Jesus said, “You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings.” As the following verses demonstrate, some of these new believers did not remain his followers for long. But Jesus urged those who really wanted to remain his disciples to hold to, or continue in, his teachings. John’s report of the failure of one group of followers is a strong lesson. We need to count the cost of following Jesus. A true and obedient disciple will know the truth by knowing the one who is the truth, Jesus himself.

Knowing the truth means accepting it, obeying it, and regarding it above all earthly opinion. Doing so offers true spiritual freedom from sin and death. Believers become truly free because they are free to do God’s will, and thus fulfill God’s ultimate purpose in their lives. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit living within us and guiding us on our journey through life.

The Jews said that their father was Abraham, but Jesus said that if they really were children of Abraham, they would follow his good example. Sons copy their fathers, but the Jewish leaders did not behave like the one whom they claimed as their father. Jesus specifically pointed to their sin of wanting to kill him because this proved that they were not Abraham’s true children.

They could not claim to have Abraham as their father when they were seeking to kill the one who brought them truth from God, for “Abraham wouldn’t do a thing like that.” Instead, they were obeying their real father. Jesus was speaking of Satan as being their father, but they did not understand this.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Lord, I pray that You will draw people to COV this morning. I pray Lord, that You will build a solid, growing, mature flock here at COV. I pray Lord that some will come to know You as their personal Lord and Savior this morning. I pray Lord that You will encourage people and inspire people to walk more closely with You.

"And we have learned to believe and trust, and [more] we have come to know [surely] that You are the Holy One of God, the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of the living God." John 6:69 (AMP)

Father, break down the barriers that prevent people from coming to You. Break through the walls that separate people from you. Overcome the fear that keeps people from being sold out to You. God, help people experience a break through this morning. Pour out Your Holy Spirit this morning and do great and wondrous things in our church.

"However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.'" 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)