“In the end, if the Son grants you freedom, are will be completely and unquestionably free in every sense of the word!” John 8:36 EFP
This is one of those classic verses that has been quoted for millennia. It is a powerful verse that speaks of freedom in Christ. In the light of the general discourse of Jesus, and the previous words in particular, the verse takes on even greater meaning.
Just as it must have been the case on the day when Jesus spoke these words in the temple, he is still calling me to recognize my enslaved condition and accept his offer to make me free—totally. It has nothing to do with my personal effort, and everything to do with his work on my behalf. It has to do with a choice I must make to truly believe in Jesus as my Savior—to take him at his word. My spiritual pedigree and my long list of laudable accomplishments do not add up to anything in the context of my spiritual freedom. I cannot fight my way out of my spiritual bondage. But with one word from the Master’s lips I am set free to live a life of willful service to the only one who knows life as it is meant to be lived. Freedom is not the end result of my struggle, but a divine declaration bestowed on me when I believe in Him—totally.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
John 8:35
Look at it this way,” Jesus continues. “A slave’s time in his master’s house is limited. On the other hand, a child of the master can stay forever!” John 8:35 EFP
I had to think about this one for a while, but here goes. This is Jesus’ continuing answer to their assertion they are children of Father Abraham, and thus not slaves in any stretch of the imagination, and thus not in any need of any sort of liberation.
Jesus first tells them a person who lives a life of sin is, by virtue of his choice in lifestyle, a slave to the sin he or she practices. Their sin, in this case, is the sin of unbelief. They are choosing to refuse to believe in spite of ample evidence calling them to place their faith in Him. As slaves to sin, how can they claim to be children of the Father of the Faithful, the one who they claim makes them free. A true child is one who is welcome at any time in the father’s house. A slave cannot lay claim to that privilege.
Is it possible that there are times when I want to lay claim to the title of child of the king while living a life of bondage, by choosing a life of slavery to sin and rejecting a life of faith? I do not want to be found lacking because of a choice to live in a state of unbelief. A sense of conviction is not enough unless it leads to a choice to change the behavior that brought about the conviction.
I had to think about this one for a while, but here goes. This is Jesus’ continuing answer to their assertion they are children of Father Abraham, and thus not slaves in any stretch of the imagination, and thus not in any need of any sort of liberation.
Jesus first tells them a person who lives a life of sin is, by virtue of his choice in lifestyle, a slave to the sin he or she practices. Their sin, in this case, is the sin of unbelief. They are choosing to refuse to believe in spite of ample evidence calling them to place their faith in Him. As slaves to sin, how can they claim to be children of the Father of the Faithful, the one who they claim makes them free. A true child is one who is welcome at any time in the father’s house. A slave cannot lay claim to that privilege.
Is it possible that there are times when I want to lay claim to the title of child of the king while living a life of bondage, by choosing a life of slavery to sin and rejecting a life of faith? I do not want to be found lacking because of a choice to live in a state of unbelief. A sense of conviction is not enough unless it leads to a choice to change the behavior that brought about the conviction.
John 8:34
Jesus responds to their Abrahamic claims, “Listen carefully, every single person who makes sin a way of life is a slave to sin.” John 8:34 EFP
It is interesting how different translations choose to interpret this passage. This text is translated “everyone who commits sin” (ESV), “everyone who does evil” (BBE), “whosoever committeth sin” (KJV), “everyone who sins” (NIV), and so on. Most seem to imply that falling into temptation and sinning makes that person a slave to sin. But the original Greek text has a very clear construction that makes we wonder why the translators of these Bible version chose to translate it as they did. It makes all the difference in the world.
The verb “to practice” prefaces the noun “sin”. “To practice” is in present active participle form, meaning this passage should be translated “continues to practice sin”. The point Jesus is making remains strong, but it makes all the difference in the world to imply a failure makes one a slave to sin. Sin is my master when I choose to continue to practice sin, not when I have chosen to live a life that honors God and I fail along the way. Falling into sin does not invalidate my relationship with my heavenly Father; my choice to continue clinging to a lifestyle that eats away at my spiritual core makes a personal statement as to who is the master of my life. Those are sobering words to me and to every believer in Christ. The choice to believe in Christ is paramount. The choice to cozy up to lifestyle that is in direct conflict with the faith we claim to have in our Savior and Lord is equally essential. It is not something that gets internalized easily. I’m learning, but it’s a decision that needs to be made daily.
It is interesting how different translations choose to interpret this passage. This text is translated “everyone who commits sin” (ESV), “everyone who does evil” (BBE), “whosoever committeth sin” (KJV), “everyone who sins” (NIV), and so on. Most seem to imply that falling into temptation and sinning makes that person a slave to sin. But the original Greek text has a very clear construction that makes we wonder why the translators of these Bible version chose to translate it as they did. It makes all the difference in the world.
The verb “to practice” prefaces the noun “sin”. “To practice” is in present active participle form, meaning this passage should be translated “continues to practice sin”. The point Jesus is making remains strong, but it makes all the difference in the world to imply a failure makes one a slave to sin. Sin is my master when I choose to continue to practice sin, not when I have chosen to live a life that honors God and I fail along the way. Falling into sin does not invalidate my relationship with my heavenly Father; my choice to continue clinging to a lifestyle that eats away at my spiritual core makes a personal statement as to who is the master of my life. Those are sobering words to me and to every believer in Christ. The choice to believe in Christ is paramount. The choice to cozy up to lifestyle that is in direct conflict with the faith we claim to have in our Savior and Lord is equally essential. It is not something that gets internalized easily. I’m learning, but it’s a decision that needs to be made daily.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
John 8:33
Some in the crowd were chagrined by his statement. “We are descendants of Abraham,” they protest. “We have never been slaves of anyone. How dare you say, ‘You will be set free’?” John 8:33 EFP
Say what you will, these people listening to Jesus speak were a proud bunch. They may have been under the heavy hand of Rome, but they prided themselves of not being slaves. They knew their history. They knew Moses had delivered them from the slavery of Egypt. In their minds the Babylonian captivity and the Roman presence did not qualify as slavery, although it could certainly have been argued convincingly. In their minds it is settled—they do not need to be “set free.”
Sadly they are missing the point—intentionally or unwittingly. Jesus does not say, “You will be set free.” His words are, “The truth shall set you free.” Jesus was pointing to the source of a freedom they did not have. They might technically be “free”, but not in the sense to which he refers. By arguing their status as free men under Roman rule, they are overlooking the freedom that can alone come through the truth about Jesus, in fact, through the Truth that is Jesus. In the eyes of the law I was born a free man. In a spiritual sense, I am not free until the truth in Jesus sets me free from my past and thus frees me to live a future in a state of inner freedom. Got freedom?
Say what you will, these people listening to Jesus speak were a proud bunch. They may have been under the heavy hand of Rome, but they prided themselves of not being slaves. They knew their history. They knew Moses had delivered them from the slavery of Egypt. In their minds the Babylonian captivity and the Roman presence did not qualify as slavery, although it could certainly have been argued convincingly. In their minds it is settled—they do not need to be “set free.”
Sadly they are missing the point—intentionally or unwittingly. Jesus does not say, “You will be set free.” His words are, “The truth shall set you free.” Jesus was pointing to the source of a freedom they did not have. They might technically be “free”, but not in the sense to which he refers. By arguing their status as free men under Roman rule, they are overlooking the freedom that can alone come through the truth about Jesus, in fact, through the Truth that is Jesus. In the eyes of the law I was born a free man. In a spiritual sense, I am not free until the truth in Jesus sets me free from my past and thus frees me to live a future in a state of inner freedom. Got freedom?
Friday, March 27, 2015
John 8:32
“The day will come when you will know the truth you see and hear today; when that moment comes, this very truth will set you free.” John 8:32 EFP
This has become one of my most memorable passages of Scripture. It is a classic verse. I had read and heard it many times before that day it came alive as never before during one of the darkest periods of my life. Jesus is there. He has always been there. I had heard sermons and read books about him. I had memorized Bible studies to share with others. But my life was still captive, struggling to escape from the slavery to which I had accepted as the norm.
The day finally arrived when the truth made itself known to me, which allowed me to come to grips about me. That allowed me to open the hidden places and expose the lies and contradictions I had accepted as inescapable realities in my life. I tasted freedom for the first time in my adult life. The Truth set me free. The truth about him exposed the truth about me which freed me to share that truth with someone else. Satan works in the darkness that accompanies deceit and fear. He cannot withstand the light. Thank you, Jesus!
This has become one of my most memorable passages of Scripture. It is a classic verse. I had read and heard it many times before that day it came alive as never before during one of the darkest periods of my life. Jesus is there. He has always been there. I had heard sermons and read books about him. I had memorized Bible studies to share with others. But my life was still captive, struggling to escape from the slavery to which I had accepted as the norm.
The day finally arrived when the truth made itself known to me, which allowed me to come to grips about me. That allowed me to open the hidden places and expose the lies and contradictions I had accepted as inescapable realities in my life. I tasted freedom for the first time in my adult life. The Truth set me free. The truth about him exposed the truth about me which freed me to share that truth with someone else. Satan works in the darkness that accompanies deceit and fear. He cannot withstand the light. Thank you, Jesus!
John 8:31
Realizing the step some of the Jewish people have taken to believe in him, Jesus addresses them specifically, “If you stay anchored in my word, you are what I consider my true disciples.” John 8:31 EFP
It occurs to me as I read this text that John is doing more than simply saying that some of the people listening have come to the point of believing in Jesus as a result of his preaching that day. John uses the expression “the Jews” to refer to those who begin to believe in Jesus that day. The term is almost exclusively used by John to refer to those who opposed Jesus, mainly the “Jewish leaders,” as opposed to the “Jewish people,” many of whom sought him out even if for at times for self-serving reasons (John 6).
John makes it a point to mention the conversion of some of the men, Jewish leadership, who had actively opposed Jesus’ ministry. The fact is not lost on Jesus, who quickly recognizes the change in these individuals. Jesus seizes the moment and affirms their decision by giving them an insight as to how to remain in the choice they have just made. But in doing so he also tells me what it takes to remain (not just become) a disciple of Jesus. In short, spend time with Him. Read His word. Obey His will. Be open to his leading. That’s what it means to be and to grow as a disciple. Becoming one requires a choice, maturing as one requires abiding with Jesus and as a result we will learn to live as our Master lived, loving God and the people in our sphere of influence, regardless the cost. That’s the kind of “true disciple” I want to be.
It occurs to me as I read this text that John is doing more than simply saying that some of the people listening have come to the point of believing in Jesus as a result of his preaching that day. John uses the expression “the Jews” to refer to those who begin to believe in Jesus that day. The term is almost exclusively used by John to refer to those who opposed Jesus, mainly the “Jewish leaders,” as opposed to the “Jewish people,” many of whom sought him out even if for at times for self-serving reasons (John 6).
John makes it a point to mention the conversion of some of the men, Jewish leadership, who had actively opposed Jesus’ ministry. The fact is not lost on Jesus, who quickly recognizes the change in these individuals. Jesus seizes the moment and affirms their decision by giving them an insight as to how to remain in the choice they have just made. But in doing so he also tells me what it takes to remain (not just become) a disciple of Jesus. In short, spend time with Him. Read His word. Obey His will. Be open to his leading. That’s what it means to be and to grow as a disciple. Becoming one requires a choice, maturing as one requires abiding with Jesus and as a result we will learn to live as our Master lived, loving God and the people in our sphere of influence, regardless the cost. That’s the kind of “true disciple” I want to be.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
John 8:30
Even as Jesus speaks these words, many of the people believe in Him. John 8:30 EFP
Wow! On the midst of the verbal confrontation between Jesus and the Jewish authorities, there are people listening and, as a result, coming to a point of belief. We do not know who they are. We can surmise these are not the men chiding Jesus and trying desperately to discredit him. But some among the silent observers believe.
I don’t know exactly what that means, but something clicked inside. What did they do as a result? What changed? Do they live the rest of their lives for Christ? Is this simply a spark? A flicker? I don’t know, but I do know that John places a lot of weight on the moment of belief. Without believing there is nothing. But through believing there is salvation. Read John 20:31. Does salvation come at the moment you believe? Does salvation come when that belief translates into action? Does it come after I believe, and withdraw when my faith falters? I sense there are answers to come.
Wow! On the midst of the verbal confrontation between Jesus and the Jewish authorities, there are people listening and, as a result, coming to a point of belief. We do not know who they are. We can surmise these are not the men chiding Jesus and trying desperately to discredit him. But some among the silent observers believe.
I don’t know exactly what that means, but something clicked inside. What did they do as a result? What changed? Do they live the rest of their lives for Christ? Is this simply a spark? A flicker? I don’t know, but I do know that John places a lot of weight on the moment of belief. Without believing there is nothing. But through believing there is salvation. Read John 20:31. Does salvation come at the moment you believe? Does salvation come when that belief translates into action? Does it come after I believe, and withdraw when my faith falters? I sense there are answers to come.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
John 8:29
“The One who sent me is with me,” Jesus continues. “My heavenly Father does not leave me to fend for myself, the fact is I always act in such a way that pleases him.” John 8:29 EFP
This is an interesting text. I had to check back to be reminded this conversation was initiated after the episode with woman begin dragged into the temple to be put to death, only to be forgiven by Jesus. This is followed by Jesus entering into a bout with the Pharisees regarding his relationship with his heavenly Father. The religious leaders are unwilling to give in an inch to his claim, often resorting to snide remarks and innuendoes.
The declarations of Jesus need to be understood in the light of the fact that Jesus is establishing a contrast between his relationship with his heavenly Father and their experience with God. Given that background, this text once again contrasts three points: Jesus’ father is with him always; Jesus is never alone; and his actions always please his father. Seen as one inseparable unit, they are descriptive of the integral nature of his relationship with his Father. It is life to him. His Father never leaves him, but neither does he ever leave his Father. As a result of this abiding sense that his Father and he are inseparable, he lives a life that pleases his Father. It happens. Living in the confidence and total assurance that God, through Jesus, is always with me and does not leave me to fend for myself, leads to a life that honors and pleases him. But how does that type of life happen in a schedule packed with responsibility and pressures from family, friends, finances, and foreign forces fighting for my few free moments? Lord, help me find the time! Help me make you a priority. Teach me what it means to have you be my life, not part of it.
This is an interesting text. I had to check back to be reminded this conversation was initiated after the episode with woman begin dragged into the temple to be put to death, only to be forgiven by Jesus. This is followed by Jesus entering into a bout with the Pharisees regarding his relationship with his heavenly Father. The religious leaders are unwilling to give in an inch to his claim, often resorting to snide remarks and innuendoes.
The declarations of Jesus need to be understood in the light of the fact that Jesus is establishing a contrast between his relationship with his heavenly Father and their experience with God. Given that background, this text once again contrasts three points: Jesus’ father is with him always; Jesus is never alone; and his actions always please his father. Seen as one inseparable unit, they are descriptive of the integral nature of his relationship with his Father. It is life to him. His Father never leaves him, but neither does he ever leave his Father. As a result of this abiding sense that his Father and he are inseparable, he lives a life that pleases his Father. It happens. Living in the confidence and total assurance that God, through Jesus, is always with me and does not leave me to fend for myself, leads to a life that honors and pleases him. But how does that type of life happen in a schedule packed with responsibility and pressures from family, friends, finances, and foreign forces fighting for my few free moments? Lord, help me find the time! Help me make you a priority. Teach me what it means to have you be my life, not part of it.
John 8:28
Jesus continues to explain. “When you raise up the Son of Man, only then will you be convinced of who I Am. You will finally know I do not do anything of my own volition, rather I speak only the things my Father teaches me.” John 8:28 EFP
Let me begin by pointing out the obvious—Jesus does not give up easily. Here he has been working with these people persistently, through word and action, and they still fail to grasp what he is trying to say. John has just finished stating that in the end the people still don’t get it. Yet here Jesus once again provides more thoughts for them to consider.
I can’t overlook the allusion to his death on the cross that looms in his future. Earlier Jesus had brought up the concept of the Son of Man being lifted up during his conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:14). In John 12:32 he makes reference to the same concept of being lifted up, with a direct reference to his death on a cross. I understand Jesus saying, “When you see me hanging on the cross on which you condemned me to die, perhaps then you will be convinced I say and do the will of my Father.” The cross is the ultimate symbol of surrender and self-sacrifice. Although Jesus knows he will be raised up, he still has to face and endure unimaginable suffering and pain as his life ebbs away, slowly slipping into the unknown pit of death, alone and alienated from His Father. He did that for me. He surrendered for me. He died for me. Is it too much to ask that I be willing to surrender, suffer, and even die for him?
Let me begin by pointing out the obvious—Jesus does not give up easily. Here he has been working with these people persistently, through word and action, and they still fail to grasp what he is trying to say. John has just finished stating that in the end the people still don’t get it. Yet here Jesus once again provides more thoughts for them to consider.
I can’t overlook the allusion to his death on the cross that looms in his future. Earlier Jesus had brought up the concept of the Son of Man being lifted up during his conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:14). In John 12:32 he makes reference to the same concept of being lifted up, with a direct reference to his death on a cross. I understand Jesus saying, “When you see me hanging on the cross on which you condemned me to die, perhaps then you will be convinced I say and do the will of my Father.” The cross is the ultimate symbol of surrender and self-sacrifice. Although Jesus knows he will be raised up, he still has to face and endure unimaginable suffering and pain as his life ebbs away, slowly slipping into the unknown pit of death, alone and alienated from His Father. He did that for me. He surrendered for me. He died for me. Is it too much to ask that I be willing to surrender, suffer, and even die for him?
John 8:26
“I have so much to share with you—so much to reveal to you about you. But this is not about what I want to say. The One who sent me is all the truth you need to know. Whatever I say to you while with you are the very things I hear him say to me.” John 8:26 EFP
Jesus’ response to the people’s exasperation is to open his heart to them. Can you hear the pleading in his voice? He certainly knows this would most likely be the last time he would have the opportunity to share the good news about his Father with them. He knows all the preconceived ideas they have about God. He understands the spiritual burdens that the religious leaders have placed on them that have damaged and jaded them towards spiritual matters.
There is so much to share and so little time. It must have broken Jesus’ heart. His mission is to share the truth about his Father. Jesus says, “He is true.” He wants to tell them His Father loves them. He wants them to see His Father through his life of service to them. He could have spent his time telling them about them, but that would do nothing more than place the focus on their misconceptions and warped concepts of God. The antidote for deception is truth—pure and simple. I need to fill up my life with truth about God. That can only happen by spending time with him—talking, listening, meditating, and taking in his words in Scripture. That’s all the truth I need to know.
Jesus’ response to the people’s exasperation is to open his heart to them. Can you hear the pleading in his voice? He certainly knows this would most likely be the last time he would have the opportunity to share the good news about his Father with them. He knows all the preconceived ideas they have about God. He understands the spiritual burdens that the religious leaders have placed on them that have damaged and jaded them towards spiritual matters.
There is so much to share and so little time. It must have broken Jesus’ heart. His mission is to share the truth about his Father. Jesus says, “He is true.” He wants to tell them His Father loves them. He wants them to see His Father through his life of service to them. He could have spent his time telling them about them, but that would do nothing more than place the focus on their misconceptions and warped concepts of God. The antidote for deception is truth—pure and simple. I need to fill up my life with truth about God. That can only happen by spending time with him—talking, listening, meditating, and taking in his words in Scripture. That’s all the truth I need to know.
John 8:25
The people reply, “Who are you?” Jesus responds, “I am the one I have always told you I am from the very beginning.” John 8:25 EFP
I cannot help but see a certain amount of exasperation in the peoples’ query, “Who are you?” They are grasping at a concept that seems to be eluding them. Whether they are being intentionally obtuse or simply unable to comprehend a concept that must have been totally foreign to them, the end result is they have reached an impasse. I imagine the gamut of emotions behind that question range from dismay, to disdain, to despair, to a deep desire to know. I am at times stretched beyond my limits by this Man Jesus. He is not a one-dimensional being.
But Jesus’ answer is equally complex, while simple at first glance. His answer can be understood as him saying, “I am who I have always told you I am.” That would make sense, since he has been steadfast and consistent in his claims. But his answer can also be interpreted as saying, “I am who I have consistently told you I am, and for that matter, I have been what I claim to be from the very beginning of time.” That is also true and consistent to his claim to be, not only the Son of God, but one with God from the very beginning of time. Of all the claims of Jesus, this one must have been the most difficult for the people to decipher. Man. God. Human. Divine. Eternal. Born. Creator. I will be challenged for all eternity with the mysteries of Deity.
I cannot help but see a certain amount of exasperation in the peoples’ query, “Who are you?” They are grasping at a concept that seems to be eluding them. Whether they are being intentionally obtuse or simply unable to comprehend a concept that must have been totally foreign to them, the end result is they have reached an impasse. I imagine the gamut of emotions behind that question range from dismay, to disdain, to despair, to a deep desire to know. I am at times stretched beyond my limits by this Man Jesus. He is not a one-dimensional being.
But Jesus’ answer is equally complex, while simple at first glance. His answer can be understood as him saying, “I am who I have always told you I am.” That would make sense, since he has been steadfast and consistent in his claims. But his answer can also be interpreted as saying, “I am who I have consistently told you I am, and for that matter, I have been what I claim to be from the very beginning of time.” That is also true and consistent to his claim to be, not only the Son of God, but one with God from the very beginning of time. Of all the claims of Jesus, this one must have been the most difficult for the people to decipher. Man. God. Human. Divine. Eternal. Born. Creator. I will be challenged for all eternity with the mysteries of Deity.
John 8:24
“You want to know why I say, ‘You will die in your sins’?” Jesus adds. “It boils down to this: If you do not believe I am who I say I am, you will die in your sins. It’s as simple as that.” John 8:24 EFP
Jesus does not pull any punches at this point. He knows what is at stake here. He wants to break through and reach the hearts of these people for whom he came to die as the sacrificial Lamb of God. They are at an impasse created by their inability to comprehend or their unwillingness to accept the claims Jesus is making.
So Jesus has no option but to break it down to its basics. Believe and live. Refuse to believe and die. But that is not all he says. I notice he says, “You will die in your sins.” If dying is the opposite of living. Then dying in your sins is the opposite of what? Living out of your sins? Living without sin? Certainly the religious leaders were acquainted with that concept, since it was their goal. Is Jesus is adding that element to this exchange? Considering John says that anyone that claims they have no sin is in the dark (1 John 1:8), there must be something else he has in mind—something they need to understand and that I need to grasp today as well. Can it be what Jesus is promising me today is a life without sin being my master? I do not need to fear sin, because Jesus has taken my sin onto himself and freed me not only from the penalty of sin, but from the slavery to sin. I will die only if I choose to cling to my sin because I refuse to believe in Jesus as my Savior and my Lord. Once again, it comes down to what and how I chose to believe. Oh, Lord, make it plain!
Jesus does not pull any punches at this point. He knows what is at stake here. He wants to break through and reach the hearts of these people for whom he came to die as the sacrificial Lamb of God. They are at an impasse created by their inability to comprehend or their unwillingness to accept the claims Jesus is making.
So Jesus has no option but to break it down to its basics. Believe and live. Refuse to believe and die. But that is not all he says. I notice he says, “You will die in your sins.” If dying is the opposite of living. Then dying in your sins is the opposite of what? Living out of your sins? Living without sin? Certainly the religious leaders were acquainted with that concept, since it was their goal. Is Jesus is adding that element to this exchange? Considering John says that anyone that claims they have no sin is in the dark (1 John 1:8), there must be something else he has in mind—something they need to understand and that I need to grasp today as well. Can it be what Jesus is promising me today is a life without sin being my master? I do not need to fear sin, because Jesus has taken my sin onto himself and freed me not only from the penalty of sin, but from the slavery to sin. I will die only if I choose to cling to my sin because I refuse to believe in Jesus as my Savior and my Lord. Once again, it comes down to what and how I chose to believe. Oh, Lord, make it plain!
John 8:23
Then Jesus tells them outright, “You are from below, while I am from above. In other words, you are from this world, while I am definitely not.” John 8:23 EFP
There you have it! In a nutshell that is my problem. When speaking to these people who just don’t get it, he finally spells out their conundrum—as he does to me today: I don’t get it because Jesus and I are on two different planes of existence. He is other-worldly. I am a prisoner of this world. He is heavenly. I am earthbound. He is Spirit-filled. My flesh is definitely interested is winning the battle for my life. He is the Word Incarnate! I am not. Period.
As long as I am earth-bound, carnal, and worldly I will never get it. Jesus has been trying all my life to get me to commit to living on a different plane of existence, that is, a Spirit-filled one. I will always fail to grasp the truths he so much wants me to internalize as long as I live in a world dominated by the perishable. I will fall short, fail miserably, and flail aimlessly in my attempts to grow and mature in Christ while living a life dominated by things that are foreign to the Kingdom into which God calls me. I want to enter that realm to which Christ calls me. There is only one Door. There is only one Way. There is only one Truth. He is a person to be known, not a concept to be memorized. He is life itself, not merely a tenet of my faith. “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 8:24, 25)
There you have it! In a nutshell that is my problem. When speaking to these people who just don’t get it, he finally spells out their conundrum—as he does to me today: I don’t get it because Jesus and I are on two different planes of existence. He is other-worldly. I am a prisoner of this world. He is heavenly. I am earthbound. He is Spirit-filled. My flesh is definitely interested is winning the battle for my life. He is the Word Incarnate! I am not. Period.
As long as I am earth-bound, carnal, and worldly I will never get it. Jesus has been trying all my life to get me to commit to living on a different plane of existence, that is, a Spirit-filled one. I will always fail to grasp the truths he so much wants me to internalize as long as I live in a world dominated by the perishable. I will fall short, fail miserably, and flail aimlessly in my attempts to grow and mature in Christ while living a life dominated by things that are foreign to the Kingdom into which God calls me. I want to enter that realm to which Christ calls me. There is only one Door. There is only one Way. There is only one Truth. He is a person to be known, not a concept to be memorized. He is life itself, not merely a tenet of my faith. “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 8:24, 25)
John 8:22
The Jewish leaders mock him out loud. “What is this madman saying?” they say, “‘I am going to kill myself?’ What does he mean, ‘You cannot come where I am going’?” John 8:22 EFP
This odd and somewhat snarky reaction from the Jewish authorities helps confirm exactly what Jesus has just said about people looking for him and still managing to die in their sins. I can almost hear the Jewish leaders there present amongst the throng sarcastically mocking Jesus statement “where I go you cannot come.” (6:21 NIV)
The Jewish authorities follow Jesus everywhere. They listen to his every word. They ask questions and pay close attention to his answers. They travel long hours over dusty roads and sacrifice their time to hear his message. For what? Appearances? Curiosity? Contempt? Many are simply trying to catch him in some compromising statement or situation. Regardless of their reason for following him, they have no intention of believing in him. That’s the key. I can conceivably spend all my days “following” Jesus by doing the right things, going to the right places, convincing all the right people, yet failing to come to the point of belief in Jesus as the Son of God and Lord of my life. That requires a step into the realm of faith. It is not under the controllable facets of my life. It is not neat and tidy. Making that choice can throw my entire life into upheaval and chaos. Yet the danger of not taking that step into the unknown is certain and ultimate failure and an inevitable and final death even as I may gain accolades and power in my personal and professional religious circles. It’s a choice between what I can possessed and what can possess me—the tangible versus the spiritual realm.
This odd and somewhat snarky reaction from the Jewish authorities helps confirm exactly what Jesus has just said about people looking for him and still managing to die in their sins. I can almost hear the Jewish leaders there present amongst the throng sarcastically mocking Jesus statement “where I go you cannot come.” (6:21 NIV)
The Jewish authorities follow Jesus everywhere. They listen to his every word. They ask questions and pay close attention to his answers. They travel long hours over dusty roads and sacrifice their time to hear his message. For what? Appearances? Curiosity? Contempt? Many are simply trying to catch him in some compromising statement or situation. Regardless of their reason for following him, they have no intention of believing in him. That’s the key. I can conceivably spend all my days “following” Jesus by doing the right things, going to the right places, convincing all the right people, yet failing to come to the point of belief in Jesus as the Son of God and Lord of my life. That requires a step into the realm of faith. It is not under the controllable facets of my life. It is not neat and tidy. Making that choice can throw my entire life into upheaval and chaos. Yet the danger of not taking that step into the unknown is certain and ultimate failure and an inevitable and final death even as I may gain accolades and power in my personal and professional religious circles. It’s a choice between what I can possessed and what can possess me—the tangible versus the spiritual realm.
John 8:21
Jesus reiterates, “I will not be here forever. The time will come when you will look for me and die in your sinful ways, not having found me. You will discover you cannot come where I am going.” John 8:21 EFP
There are texts that are pretty straightforward. Then there are these texts that seem more cryptic than clear; at least portions of them seem that way. This is more like one of the latter, at least to me. That Jesus tells the people he will be going away is not surprising; neither is the fact they are slow or unwilling to grasp that concept. It is also relatively easy to understand, at least at a cursory level, what he means when he tells them they will look for him unsuccessfully in the near future—after all he is going away.
But why does he add “[you] will die in your sin”? (NKJV) Is Jesus intimating that it is possible to seek after him without ever finding him? Can I spend my lifetime looking for Jesus and come to the end without having found him? Is it possible that I could spend every day of my life seeking a Jesus that does not exist for me, an image of him I have created out of self-interest? This is a chilling thought. That cannot be what Jesus is saying! What keeps these people (and me) from being able to go where Jesus is going? What is He talking about? Heaven? The cross? Can it be Jesus is pointing out that I cannot look for Jesus while still hanging on to a life that does not give evidence of my search for him? I cannot cherish my godless and independent lifestyle to the point that my search for Jesus is nothing but a sham without genuine desire to enter into a personal relationship with the one I claim to seek. That is a much more sad, yet realistic, scenario indeed.
There are texts that are pretty straightforward. Then there are these texts that seem more cryptic than clear; at least portions of them seem that way. This is more like one of the latter, at least to me. That Jesus tells the people he will be going away is not surprising; neither is the fact they are slow or unwilling to grasp that concept. It is also relatively easy to understand, at least at a cursory level, what he means when he tells them they will look for him unsuccessfully in the near future—after all he is going away.
But why does he add “[you] will die in your sin”? (NKJV) Is Jesus intimating that it is possible to seek after him without ever finding him? Can I spend my lifetime looking for Jesus and come to the end without having found him? Is it possible that I could spend every day of my life seeking a Jesus that does not exist for me, an image of him I have created out of self-interest? This is a chilling thought. That cannot be what Jesus is saying! What keeps these people (and me) from being able to go where Jesus is going? What is He talking about? Heaven? The cross? Can it be Jesus is pointing out that I cannot look for Jesus while still hanging on to a life that does not give evidence of my search for him? I cannot cherish my godless and independent lifestyle to the point that my search for Jesus is nothing but a sham without genuine desire to enter into a personal relationship with the one I claim to seek. That is a much more sad, yet realistic, scenario indeed.
John 8:20
Jesus speaks these words while teaching in the temple treasury; yet none of the authorities take him into custody nor do anything to stop him. That moment in the life of Jesus still looms in the future. John 8:20 EFP
I wondered at first why it would be important for John to mention this event takes place in the temple treasury. I learned a couple of things in my quest for perspective. First of all, the temple treasury is not where they kept the money, it is where people come to give their offerings. Secondly, it is located in the court of the women. This explains why Jesus would choose to preach here, since women would not be permitted to go any further into the temple courts than this specific place.
But there is something more that strikes me as I recognize where this is taking place. Court of Women. Offerings. Treasure. Then I remembered this whole event takes place in the wake of a woman of ill repute being brought to the temple and crudely tossed at the feet of Jesus. She was the woman caught in the very act of adultery. She is, according to the law, worthy of death. But Jesus sees in her more than human refuse destined for the trash heap of life. She is an offering brought to his feet. Life and society labeled her as an outcast. He sends her away forgiven, redeemed, and with a future as a daughter of God. The woman is dragged through the streets as trash and dumped into the court of women to die. She leaves as a trophy of God’s love—a treasure in the hands of the God. Here by the grace of God….
I wondered at first why it would be important for John to mention this event takes place in the temple treasury. I learned a couple of things in my quest for perspective. First of all, the temple treasury is not where they kept the money, it is where people come to give their offerings. Secondly, it is located in the court of the women. This explains why Jesus would choose to preach here, since women would not be permitted to go any further into the temple courts than this specific place.
But there is something more that strikes me as I recognize where this is taking place. Court of Women. Offerings. Treasure. Then I remembered this whole event takes place in the wake of a woman of ill repute being brought to the temple and crudely tossed at the feet of Jesus. She was the woman caught in the very act of adultery. She is, according to the law, worthy of death. But Jesus sees in her more than human refuse destined for the trash heap of life. She is an offering brought to his feet. Life and society labeled her as an outcast. He sends her away forgiven, redeemed, and with a future as a daughter of God. The woman is dragged through the streets as trash and dumped into the court of women to die. She leaves as a trophy of God’s love—a treasure in the hands of the God. Here by the grace of God….
John 8:19
“OK, Jesus,” they challenge the Master. “Produce this Father of yours. Where is he?” Jesus replies, “You don’t get it, do you? You don’t know me any more than you know my Father. If you truly knew me you would know my Father as well.” John 8:19 EFP
There it is—“Show us this Father you speak of, Jesus! Where is he?” I sense a little twinge of sarcasm lacing those words. “Produce that credential if you want us to accept it as a basis for your claims.” It sounds like a fair request at first glance. After all, Jesus is asking them to believe that the God they have always believed in is, in fact, His Father, and that the almighty LORD who led Moses and the children of Israel into the Promised Land also sent him. That is a step into the unfathomable for these simple people jaded by the claims of their religious leaders and perhaps other pseudo-Messiahs claiming to have been sent by YHWH.
Jesus’ response puts them back into reasoning they must have perceived as cyclical. “If you knew me, you would know my Father.” He is an eyelash-length from his future declaration to Philip in John 14:9. John is about believing. There is bedrock to accepting Jesus as the Son of God. There is a point beyond which there is nothing more than choice to believe or not. It requires knowing a person named Jesus to the degree that ushers us into the realm of faith; things unseen are seen, even as they are hoped for in anticipation of their ultimate and tangible fulfillment. That is the world I want to experience more deeply—the world of faith, not for the sake of believing, but for the life and world changing it brings. I sense it requires more than simply a tacit consent or a semblance of commitment. It is a total surrender into the unknown spiritual world of unabashed faith and devotion. Am I ready? Are you?
There it is—“Show us this Father you speak of, Jesus! Where is he?” I sense a little twinge of sarcasm lacing those words. “Produce that credential if you want us to accept it as a basis for your claims.” It sounds like a fair request at first glance. After all, Jesus is asking them to believe that the God they have always believed in is, in fact, His Father, and that the almighty LORD who led Moses and the children of Israel into the Promised Land also sent him. That is a step into the unfathomable for these simple people jaded by the claims of their religious leaders and perhaps other pseudo-Messiahs claiming to have been sent by YHWH.
Jesus’ response puts them back into reasoning they must have perceived as cyclical. “If you knew me, you would know my Father.” He is an eyelash-length from his future declaration to Philip in John 14:9. John is about believing. There is bedrock to accepting Jesus as the Son of God. There is a point beyond which there is nothing more than choice to believe or not. It requires knowing a person named Jesus to the degree that ushers us into the realm of faith; things unseen are seen, even as they are hoped for in anticipation of their ultimate and tangible fulfillment. That is the world I want to experience more deeply—the world of faith, not for the sake of believing, but for the life and world changing it brings. I sense it requires more than simply a tacit consent or a semblance of commitment. It is a total surrender into the unknown spiritual world of unabashed faith and devotion. Am I ready? Are you?
John 8:18
“In my case, I bear witness to myself—that’s one; and my Father, who sent be to begin with, He bears witness as well—that’s two.” John 8:18 EFP
I wonder at times how I would have reacted to these words of Jesus if He spoke them to me as part of a crowd of listeners living now—the twenty-first century. For one, this is a man who is asking me to accept, for all intents and purposes, his self-authenticating claim. Yes, he also uses His heavenly father as a second witness, but I have never spoken to him, at least not in dialogue. This is a leap of faith.
On the other hand, he has just performed quite a miraculous thing the previous day. But how would that event play out to my contemporaries? Smoke and mirrors? A little slight of hands? The people Jesus speaks to that day must have wrestled with the same things I must wrestle with today. I have evidence, but not so much as to eliminate a step of faith. I must believe his works, including his miracles are a result of a power outside my realm, and secondly, I must accept what he says about his direct connection to the Almighty! I must still decide today, as did those people in Palestine, if I am to take him at his word.
It sounds other-worldly. Perhaps that is because it is! Is it not the Apostle Paul who says, “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14) Sobering, but once again, self-authenticating. That explains why the Scriptures say, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
I wonder at times how I would have reacted to these words of Jesus if He spoke them to me as part of a crowd of listeners living now—the twenty-first century. For one, this is a man who is asking me to accept, for all intents and purposes, his self-authenticating claim. Yes, he also uses His heavenly father as a second witness, but I have never spoken to him, at least not in dialogue. This is a leap of faith.
On the other hand, he has just performed quite a miraculous thing the previous day. But how would that event play out to my contemporaries? Smoke and mirrors? A little slight of hands? The people Jesus speaks to that day must have wrestled with the same things I must wrestle with today. I have evidence, but not so much as to eliminate a step of faith. I must believe his works, including his miracles are a result of a power outside my realm, and secondly, I must accept what he says about his direct connection to the Almighty! I must still decide today, as did those people in Palestine, if I am to take him at his word.
It sounds other-worldly. Perhaps that is because it is! Is it not the Apostle Paul who says, “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14) Sobering, but once again, self-authenticating. That explains why the Scriptures say, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Friday, March 20, 2015
John 8:17
“Your very law establishes that the testimony of two men is to be accepted as the truth.” John 8:17 EFP
A couple of things jump out at me in this text. First, is Jesus referring to the “the law” as “your law.” Given the belief that nothing Jesus says is superfluous, it makes me wonder why he makes it a point to refer to the Law in such an almost dismissive manner. Does he mean to make a distinction between the law of God (as in the Decalogue or the “big two” commands of Deuteronomy 6:5 and 19:18) and the Law of Moses (ceremonial, civil, health, etc.)? If so, why does he do it?
Secondly, he uses the term “two men” when referencing the laws given to the children of Israel in the Books of the Law (Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15; Numbers 35:30) instead of “two witnesses” as it appears in the Old Testament text. Was it to point out that the testimony of two women was for all intents worthless in the man-centered world of Palestine? Was the Old Testament passage intended to be inclusive, whereas the application became restrictive?
In the end, the message I get is that at times I may be guilty of interpreting God’s counsel in ways that favor my personal position and yield to my personal advantage. That becomes “my law” in stark contrast to “his will” for me. It is not, as history teaches us, a wise position to take.
A couple of things jump out at me in this text. First, is Jesus referring to the “the law” as “your law.” Given the belief that nothing Jesus says is superfluous, it makes me wonder why he makes it a point to refer to the Law in such an almost dismissive manner. Does he mean to make a distinction between the law of God (as in the Decalogue or the “big two” commands of Deuteronomy 6:5 and 19:18) and the Law of Moses (ceremonial, civil, health, etc.)? If so, why does he do it?
Secondly, he uses the term “two men” when referencing the laws given to the children of Israel in the Books of the Law (Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15; Numbers 35:30) instead of “two witnesses” as it appears in the Old Testament text. Was it to point out that the testimony of two women was for all intents worthless in the man-centered world of Palestine? Was the Old Testament passage intended to be inclusive, whereas the application became restrictive?
In the end, the message I get is that at times I may be guilty of interpreting God’s counsel in ways that favor my personal position and yield to my personal advantage. That becomes “my law” in stark contrast to “his will” for me. It is not, as history teaches us, a wise position to take.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
John 8:16
“If I were to choose to judge,” Jesus continues. “Every judgment I would make would be true. This is because I am not out there standing alone; I am standing side by side with the Father who sent me.” John 8:16 EFP
How interesting. Jesus who has the right to judge, chooses not to. Jesus, who alone can claim infallibility, does not seize it as a reason to use that omniscience to judge the wayward. Jesus, who has the closes connection possible with the Almighty Father, does not lay claim to his lofty position as a basis for bringing condemnation. Yet it is to him “the Father…has given…authority to execute judgment.., because He is the Son of Man.” (John 5:26, 27).
That thought alone is sufficient to give me pause. I realize the whole subject of “judging” others is a quagmire. I am told not to judge in some instances (Matthew 7:1), while at other times I am told to judge (1 Corinthians 6:3). If nothing else I need to tread carefully when I choose to judge. I need to keep in mind, “With the measure I measure I will be measured.” (Matthew 7:2) He will also sit in judgment of me when the time comes—and when that moment comes he has the best perspective on which to base his decision—my heart. Lord, let my heart be free from malice and condemnation.
How interesting. Jesus who has the right to judge, chooses not to. Jesus, who alone can claim infallibility, does not seize it as a reason to use that omniscience to judge the wayward. Jesus, who has the closes connection possible with the Almighty Father, does not lay claim to his lofty position as a basis for bringing condemnation. Yet it is to him “the Father…has given…authority to execute judgment.., because He is the Son of Man.” (John 5:26, 27).
That thought alone is sufficient to give me pause. I realize the whole subject of “judging” others is a quagmire. I am told not to judge in some instances (Matthew 7:1), while at other times I am told to judge (1 Corinthians 6:3). If nothing else I need to tread carefully when I choose to judge. I need to keep in mind, “With the measure I measure I will be measured.” (Matthew 7:2) He will also sit in judgment of me when the time comes—and when that moment comes he has the best perspective on which to base his decision—my heart. Lord, let my heart be free from malice and condemnation.
John 8:15
Jesus declares, “You judge me from your very limited human point of view; I, on the other hand, do not judge anyone.” John 8:15 EFP
What an odd statement by Jesus. Not the first part, but the second. The first statement in very understandable, and quite frankly, true. The second part is not only surprising, but difficult to reconcile with other statements made by Jesus.
After his first statement regarding my tendency to judge from my limited and fallible point of reference I would have expected Jesus to say, “But I judge from a perspective you cannot even fathom. I have a heavenly point of view. But he doesn’t. He simply says, “I don’t judge anyone.” Period. This from the very same person who has stated that God has given judgment over to him (Read John, chapter 5). Can it be that the one entrusted with proclaiming judgment has chosen not to exercise that prerogative? He sees me and know me better than anyone, but he chooses not to judge me (Condemn me. See John 8). Condemnation only comes to those who have chosen to ignore the gift of salvation. They condemn themselves. Jesus has no need to declare their sentence, they have brought the death decree on themselves. How sad!
What an odd statement by Jesus. Not the first part, but the second. The first statement in very understandable, and quite frankly, true. The second part is not only surprising, but difficult to reconcile with other statements made by Jesus.
After his first statement regarding my tendency to judge from my limited and fallible point of reference I would have expected Jesus to say, “But I judge from a perspective you cannot even fathom. I have a heavenly point of view. But he doesn’t. He simply says, “I don’t judge anyone.” Period. This from the very same person who has stated that God has given judgment over to him (Read John, chapter 5). Can it be that the one entrusted with proclaiming judgment has chosen not to exercise that prerogative? He sees me and know me better than anyone, but he chooses not to judge me (Condemn me. See John 8). Condemnation only comes to those who have chosen to ignore the gift of salvation. They condemn themselves. Jesus has no need to declare their sentence, they have brought the death decree on themselves. How sad!
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
John 8:14
Jesus responds by declaring, “I do not need anything more than my own claims to make what I claim true. I know where I call home as well as the when and where of my final destination. You, on the other hand, have no idea where I come from or where I am headed.” John 8:14 EFP
This is another bold statement by Jesus on the heels of the previous verse. Try to consider how you would react to someone who made such a claim. “It is so because I say it is so!” No further evidence needed. “I have all the evidence you need, but it is not necessary. My word is sufficient.” There is no room to maneuver. There is no wiggle room. Is it any wonder the religious leaders of his time were so flabbergasted by this man?
Things haven’t changed much nowadays. In a world full of relativistic concepts and fluidity of thought; in a culture that is chagrined by absolute claims and put off by rigid claims regarding truth and authority, Jesus comes and makes absolute and all-encompassing claims regarding himself—his origin and his reason for being. We are either clueless or we accept his claims at face value. There is no middle ground. I am left with a choice, stark and scandalous. What do I do with Jesus? It’s all in or all out. It’s scary. It’s crazy from a purely human point of view. Lord, help me connect my claims to believe in you with my often faithless behavior.
This is another bold statement by Jesus on the heels of the previous verse. Try to consider how you would react to someone who made such a claim. “It is so because I say it is so!” No further evidence needed. “I have all the evidence you need, but it is not necessary. My word is sufficient.” There is no room to maneuver. There is no wiggle room. Is it any wonder the religious leaders of his time were so flabbergasted by this man?
Things haven’t changed much nowadays. In a world full of relativistic concepts and fluidity of thought; in a culture that is chagrined by absolute claims and put off by rigid claims regarding truth and authority, Jesus comes and makes absolute and all-encompassing claims regarding himself—his origin and his reason for being. We are either clueless or we accept his claims at face value. There is no middle ground. I am left with a choice, stark and scandalous. What do I do with Jesus? It’s all in or all out. It’s scary. It’s crazy from a purely human point of view. Lord, help me connect my claims to believe in you with my often faithless behavior.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
John 8:13
But the Pharisees are not open to Jesus’ invitation. “You say that out of self-interest and self-promotion,” they retort. “Your so-called witness is not genuine or true!” John 8:13 EFP
It does not take the Pharisee long to regress into their previously hostile and oppositional ways. Jesus invites them to escape the darkness of their condition of condemnation—their own and towards others. He knows the end result of such a condition is death. The Pharisees, at least the ones present that day, want nothing to do with this so-called light.
They accuse Jesus of claiming to be the light out of sheer self-promotion and self-interest. It is interesting to note this is nothing less that classic projection, a common self-defense mechanism. They project onto Jesus the very shortcoming they see in themselves. In their unwillingness to concede anything to Jesus they cement their self-deception even further. They cap off their retort by adding the deception angle to their indictment against Jesus.
Lord, help me avoid the temptation of shifting my shortcomings onto others rather than confessing them to you. Reproach me when I become self-promoting, or when I am more interested in appearances than in authenticity
It does not take the Pharisee long to regress into their previously hostile and oppositional ways. Jesus invites them to escape the darkness of their condition of condemnation—their own and towards others. He knows the end result of such a condition is death. The Pharisees, at least the ones present that day, want nothing to do with this so-called light.
They accuse Jesus of claiming to be the light out of sheer self-promotion and self-interest. It is interesting to note this is nothing less that classic projection, a common self-defense mechanism. They project onto Jesus the very shortcoming they see in themselves. In their unwillingness to concede anything to Jesus they cement their self-deception even further. They cap off their retort by adding the deception angle to their indictment against Jesus.
Lord, help me avoid the temptation of shifting my shortcomings onto others rather than confessing them to you. Reproach me when I become self-promoting, or when I am more interested in appearances than in authenticity
John 8:12
Jesus then addresses the recently departed crowd. “I am the light of the world,” he begins. “Whoever follows me will not have to continue walking in the dark, because I will always be the light of life to them.” John 8:12 EFP
This is either a totally different day or a totally amazing moment. The text simply continues as if nothing happened. Jesus sends the woman along and then immediately makes this startling declaration about himself. If this is the immediate continuation of the temple court scenario, then I must conclude the mob has departed from the immediate scene but they are not gone from the temple premises. Jesus calls them back by making this statement.
The narrative does mention they were moved by their consciences, so the Holy Spirit is working in them still. They just could not “pull the trigger.” They drop the rocks and meander away, but not too far away. Perhaps they watch from a distance to see what Jesus is going to do with the woman. They see him send her away. Perhaps they even hear the words, “I do not condemn you either” emanate from his lips to her ears. Their consciences are still being stirred.
Then the words, “I Am the light of the world.” Why now? Is Jesus calling those who have recently been confronted by the darkness of their own souls back into the light? He is offering people like me some hope. Isn’t that like Jesus? In the moments when I cower into the dark recesses of my disheartening thoughts of doubt and despair, Jesus calls me out—not to berate me but to invite me into the His light and life.
This is either a totally different day or a totally amazing moment. The text simply continues as if nothing happened. Jesus sends the woman along and then immediately makes this startling declaration about himself. If this is the immediate continuation of the temple court scenario, then I must conclude the mob has departed from the immediate scene but they are not gone from the temple premises. Jesus calls them back by making this statement.
The narrative does mention they were moved by their consciences, so the Holy Spirit is working in them still. They just could not “pull the trigger.” They drop the rocks and meander away, but not too far away. Perhaps they watch from a distance to see what Jesus is going to do with the woman. They see him send her away. Perhaps they even hear the words, “I do not condemn you either” emanate from his lips to her ears. Their consciences are still being stirred.
Then the words, “I Am the light of the world.” Why now? Is Jesus calling those who have recently been confronted by the darkness of their own souls back into the light? He is offering people like me some hope. Isn’t that like Jesus? In the moments when I cower into the dark recesses of my disheartening thoughts of doubt and despair, Jesus calls me out—not to berate me but to invite me into the His light and life.
John 8:11
The woman answers coyly, “No one, Sir. No one but you.” Jesus tenderly declares, “Well, I do not condemn you either; go on and stop choosing to live in sin.” John 8:11 EFP
The answer to the first question is easy, “They are gone, Sir.” The answer to second is troubling, “No one, Sir.” But there is an unstated nuance to that response. There was still Jesus. He remains to condemn her. Even if the words of Scripture do not contain the words, the implication clear in Jesus response, “I do not condemn you either.”
“I do not condemn you either.” Those six words carry a wallop. Read Romans 8, and in the crescendo leading up to the classic text at the end of the chapter, the Apostle Paul asks a series of almost rhetorical questions regarding those who would accuse or condemn God’s chosen. Those words resonate with Jesus’ declaration, “I do not condemn you either.” First of all, he did not come into the world to condemn it (John 3:17). But the second concept is just as powerful. No one else can condemn you. They have no power over you. They cannot touch you.
That’s why Jesus uses the word “either.” In the presence of the Sinless Savior, who just happens to be the Just Judge and Absolute Advocate of the penitent, no one dares remain to accuse and condemn me. Their testimony falls by the wayside. Their diatribes against me, when I come to Jesus (or am brought to Jesus) have no power over me. It’s Jesus and me against the world and the prince of darkness. They stand no chance.
The answer to the first question is easy, “They are gone, Sir.” The answer to second is troubling, “No one, Sir.” But there is an unstated nuance to that response. There was still Jesus. He remains to condemn her. Even if the words of Scripture do not contain the words, the implication clear in Jesus response, “I do not condemn you either.”
“I do not condemn you either.” Those six words carry a wallop. Read Romans 8, and in the crescendo leading up to the classic text at the end of the chapter, the Apostle Paul asks a series of almost rhetorical questions regarding those who would accuse or condemn God’s chosen. Those words resonate with Jesus’ declaration, “I do not condemn you either.” First of all, he did not come into the world to condemn it (John 3:17). But the second concept is just as powerful. No one else can condemn you. They have no power over you. They cannot touch you.
That’s why Jesus uses the word “either.” In the presence of the Sinless Savior, who just happens to be the Just Judge and Absolute Advocate of the penitent, no one dares remain to accuse and condemn me. Their testimony falls by the wayside. Their diatribes against me, when I come to Jesus (or am brought to Jesus) have no power over me. It’s Jesus and me against the world and the prince of darkness. They stand no chance.
John 8:10
Jesus finally stands up and sees no one around him but the woman. He looks at her as says, “Woman, where are the men who accused you? Did they change their minds? Did not one of them bring final condemnation on you?” John 8:10 EFP
The scene has totally morphed. One moment an angry crowd of men stands ready to mete out justice on the prone woman. The next, the temple court is empty but for a man crouching while writing on the ground and a woman standing, breathing deliverance from what once seemed inevitable death. The Man stands and assesses the situation. As he expected, not one of the accusers remains to carry out the dirty declaration of death on this downcast damsel.
He asks the obvious, “Where did the men who accused you go?” This query is followed immediately by a logical companion question, “Did not one of them remain to condemn you?” The first question would have been easy for the woman to answer, the second must have caused some level of consternation. For as the answer to the first question is, “They are gone, Sir,” the answer to second would have been, “Only you, Sir.”
Only Jesus remains. He is the only one there left…and he holds the right to cast the first stone. The others would follow. What does the woman think? Will he condemn her? Will he chastise her for her shameful behavior? Will he treat her in the manner she deserves according to the law? She could run, but the men are not far away. Somehow she must realize that her options are limited and her best chances lie here with this mysterious man whose name she does not even know. She does not realize she is in the presence of the only righteous judge. It is the safest place on earth.
The scene has totally morphed. One moment an angry crowd of men stands ready to mete out justice on the prone woman. The next, the temple court is empty but for a man crouching while writing on the ground and a woman standing, breathing deliverance from what once seemed inevitable death. The Man stands and assesses the situation. As he expected, not one of the accusers remains to carry out the dirty declaration of death on this downcast damsel.
He asks the obvious, “Where did the men who accused you go?” This query is followed immediately by a logical companion question, “Did not one of them remain to condemn you?” The first question would have been easy for the woman to answer, the second must have caused some level of consternation. For as the answer to the first question is, “They are gone, Sir,” the answer to second would have been, “Only you, Sir.”
Only Jesus remains. He is the only one there left…and he holds the right to cast the first stone. The others would follow. What does the woman think? Will he condemn her? Will he chastise her for her shameful behavior? Will he treat her in the manner she deserves according to the law? She could run, but the men are not far away. Somehow she must realize that her options are limited and her best chances lie here with this mysterious man whose name she does not even know. She does not realize she is in the presence of the only righteous judge. It is the safest place on earth.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
John 8:9
Upon hearing Jesus’ challenge, slowly, the murderous mob begins to disperse, convicted by their previously seared conscience. One by one they leave, first the old and then the young, until not one of the rabble is left. Jesus alone remains with the woman, who is now standing alone in the middle of the now empty court. John 8:9 EFP
This scene is amazing! One moment the crowd is poised to rain down stony punishment on the condemned woman. The next moment the crowd begins to thin out and eventually dissipate until no one but Jesus and the woman remain. The elders leave first—their record has more evidence against them. But even the young cannot deny the sentence that awaits them because of their unclean hearts.
The narrative states they leave because they are convicted by their conscience. The Holy Spirit does its work. I cannot imagine there is much resistance to the conviction that assails their souls. It’s not easy to admit in public that you are a fraud. The younger ones who have come to what they believe will be an inevitable stoning following the lead of the elders are now looking to see what the leaders will do. They know. They are frozen. They recognize they cannot throw the first stone, but they wonder if someone else will. No one does.
As the crowd begins to dissipate, the woman is no longer cowering on the ground. That is not where she belongs. Jesus has restored her dignity even as he continues to write. The picture of Jesus crouching and the woman standing alone in the middle of the temple court is heart-warming. I can only imagine the flood of thoughts in the woman’s mind. She has been expecting a shower of rocks that would seal her fate. No escape. Now, however, she stands alone with her Savior. That is a picture of me. That is where I need to be…always. No one else matters. Jesus and me. Alone. Only good things can happen in that snapshot.
This scene is amazing! One moment the crowd is poised to rain down stony punishment on the condemned woman. The next moment the crowd begins to thin out and eventually dissipate until no one but Jesus and the woman remain. The elders leave first—their record has more evidence against them. But even the young cannot deny the sentence that awaits them because of their unclean hearts.
The narrative states they leave because they are convicted by their conscience. The Holy Spirit does its work. I cannot imagine there is much resistance to the conviction that assails their souls. It’s not easy to admit in public that you are a fraud. The younger ones who have come to what they believe will be an inevitable stoning following the lead of the elders are now looking to see what the leaders will do. They know. They are frozen. They recognize they cannot throw the first stone, but they wonder if someone else will. No one does.
As the crowd begins to dissipate, the woman is no longer cowering on the ground. That is not where she belongs. Jesus has restored her dignity even as he continues to write. The picture of Jesus crouching and the woman standing alone in the middle of the temple court is heart-warming. I can only imagine the flood of thoughts in the woman’s mind. She has been expecting a shower of rocks that would seal her fate. No escape. Now, however, she stands alone with her Savior. That is a picture of me. That is where I need to be…always. No one else matters. Jesus and me. Alone. Only good things can happen in that snapshot.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
John 8:8
When Jesus is done launching the challenge to the crowd he crouches down again and continues to write on the ground. John 8:8 EFP
It is interesting to note Jesus’ behavior. It is a combination of defiance and deference. His words are no doubt a challenge to the self-righteous and bloodthirsty mob with justice and maleficence on their mind. His words must have struck them like a blow to the midsection. Do they wander by him to glance at what he is writing? Do they see their names? Do they perceive their sins plainly stated on the dusty ground? Does their death-grip on the stones in their hands begin to loosen? The moment is tense.
But Jesus is not into confrontation, he is into conviction. He states his case and continues to write on the ground. He is not determined to corner them into submission. He leaves a crack in the door—an escape path. He does not glare at them with condemnation and accusatory stares. He humbly continues in deference to write on the ground.
Just as I identify with the frightened woman, prone and pummeled by the consequences of her behavior, I also see a part of me in the self-righteous crew surrounding her—ready to mete out their brand of justice. I need to keep that part of me in check. I am not better than the worst of sinners. I stand condemned by my track record. I am condemned to die according to the law of the universe. The Law condemns me. But even as Jesus reminds me of my guilt, he also leads me, if I am willing, to the source of forgiveness and cleansing.
It is interesting to note Jesus’ behavior. It is a combination of defiance and deference. His words are no doubt a challenge to the self-righteous and bloodthirsty mob with justice and maleficence on their mind. His words must have struck them like a blow to the midsection. Do they wander by him to glance at what he is writing? Do they see their names? Do they perceive their sins plainly stated on the dusty ground? Does their death-grip on the stones in their hands begin to loosen? The moment is tense.
But Jesus is not into confrontation, he is into conviction. He states his case and continues to write on the ground. He is not determined to corner them into submission. He leaves a crack in the door—an escape path. He does not glare at them with condemnation and accusatory stares. He humbly continues in deference to write on the ground.
Just as I identify with the frightened woman, prone and pummeled by the consequences of her behavior, I also see a part of me in the self-righteous crew surrounding her—ready to mete out their brand of justice. I need to keep that part of me in check. I am not better than the worst of sinners. I stand condemned by my track record. I am condemned to die according to the law of the universe. The Law condemns me. But even as Jesus reminds me of my guilt, he also leads me, if I am willing, to the source of forgiveness and cleansing.
John 8:7
The crowd continues to pepper him with questions—pushing him to declare the sentence of death on the fallen woman. Finally Jesus halts his writing and stands up in their midst. Looking at them he says, “Let the person among you who stands here without any sin initiate the punishment by throwing the first stone!” John 8:7 EFP
It is said Jesus had been writing the sins of the men around him. Greed. Lust. Deceit. Hate. Hypocrisy. That would have been easy enough to identify. I sense it was a lot more personal than that. That list on the ground was specific and graphic. Any one of the bloodthirsty men would have recognized themselves in the handwriting on the sand. I would have.
The men are as guilty as the condemned woman. There is more than enough evidence to convict and condemn the entire lot—from the oldest to the youngest amongst them. No difference except for the rocks of condemnation held by the self-appointed executioners.
Only one person among them stands faultless, spotless, and sinless. He is not holding a rock. He is the only judge that morning with any credibility. He “has the goods” on all of them. His challenge is clear and convicting. If your record in spotless, go ahead—get the death rock festival started. There is a deep life lesson for me in this uncomfortable moment. Condemnation is not my personal mandate. Judgeship is not my role in life. I am the one condemned. But the good news is that my sins are known by One who chooses to write them on dust. They are not etched in stone—they are dust in the wind at the feet of Jesus.
It is said Jesus had been writing the sins of the men around him. Greed. Lust. Deceit. Hate. Hypocrisy. That would have been easy enough to identify. I sense it was a lot more personal than that. That list on the ground was specific and graphic. Any one of the bloodthirsty men would have recognized themselves in the handwriting on the sand. I would have.
The men are as guilty as the condemned woman. There is more than enough evidence to convict and condemn the entire lot—from the oldest to the youngest amongst them. No difference except for the rocks of condemnation held by the self-appointed executioners.
Only one person among them stands faultless, spotless, and sinless. He is not holding a rock. He is the only judge that morning with any credibility. He “has the goods” on all of them. His challenge is clear and convicting. If your record in spotless, go ahead—get the death rock festival started. There is a deep life lesson for me in this uncomfortable moment. Condemnation is not my personal mandate. Judgeship is not my role in life. I am the one condemned. But the good news is that my sins are known by One who chooses to write them on dust. They are not etched in stone—they are dust in the wind at the feet of Jesus.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
John 8:6
The Jewish contingent has an agenda in asking his opinion. This is a trap—a set up. They are hoping to trip him up and use his own words against him. But Jesus sees right through them. He crouches down as if he has not even heard their question and begins to write on the dusty temple floor with his finger. John 8:6 EFP
Other than the times in his pre-existent glory when Jesus wrote the Ten Commandments on the tables of stone in the Exodus story, this is the only record of Jesus writing anything. Those ten words of God written on stone were intended to endure the test of time. These words written on the ground are written for an entirely different reason and certainly not written to last beyond the present setting.
The assembled mob is ready to act. They have rocks in their hands and condemnation in their hearts. The woman lies on the ground prepared for her demise. She has no defense. She is guilty. The men have the law of the land on their side and they are prepared to mete out the deserved punishment. They are waiting for the word.
But Jesus is writing. He knows the stakes. On the one hand the Law of Moses intends to protect the sanctity of marriage and the image of God in his people. On the other hand a wayward, frightened, and trembling daughter of God awaits her impending death. Beyond that, Jesus knows he has been placed in the gauntlet between the Roman and the Mosaic laws—neither of which can be ignored without serious consequences with the authorities. But Jesus writes…
A new script is being written. Whatever it is he is writing on the ground changes everything for me today. I hope to ask Jesus someday what it is he wrote that day. I know the words that condemn me—they are written in stone and in the law of the land. Perhaps a truth that delivered the woman that day and frees me today was written and erased that day on the dusty floor of the temple.
Other than the times in his pre-existent glory when Jesus wrote the Ten Commandments on the tables of stone in the Exodus story, this is the only record of Jesus writing anything. Those ten words of God written on stone were intended to endure the test of time. These words written on the ground are written for an entirely different reason and certainly not written to last beyond the present setting.
The assembled mob is ready to act. They have rocks in their hands and condemnation in their hearts. The woman lies on the ground prepared for her demise. She has no defense. She is guilty. The men have the law of the land on their side and they are prepared to mete out the deserved punishment. They are waiting for the word.
But Jesus is writing. He knows the stakes. On the one hand the Law of Moses intends to protect the sanctity of marriage and the image of God in his people. On the other hand a wayward, frightened, and trembling daughter of God awaits her impending death. Beyond that, Jesus knows he has been placed in the gauntlet between the Roman and the Mosaic laws—neither of which can be ignored without serious consequences with the authorities. But Jesus writes…
A new script is being written. Whatever it is he is writing on the ground changes everything for me today. I hope to ask Jesus someday what it is he wrote that day. I know the words that condemn me—they are written in stone and in the law of the land. Perhaps a truth that delivered the woman that day and frees me today was written and erased that day on the dusty floor of the temple.
John 8:5
“You obviously know what Moses says in the law?” the accusers hone in. “This woman is to be summarily stoned to death as punishment for her shameful act. But wait…” they pause as they set the trap. “What is your opinion?” John 8:5 EFP
We are condemned no matter what. The law, as defined is Leviticus 20:10 is pretty clear. Death. Romans 6:23 is equally succinct. Death. The woman does not have a leg to stand on. She is guilty, and as a result her fate is sealed. Just like me.
The woman may not have had a case, but she certainly could have raised a stink and made life more than a bit uncomfortable for many of the men judging her. For one, the passage in the Book of Leviticus specifically calls for both adulterer and adulteress to be brought for punishment. The man has mysteriously vanished since being caught in the very act, since it “takes two to tango.” It honestly sound like a set-up and the woman is the dupe in this sanctimonious sting. Satan is the master of sly. None of us has escaped his sin-tinged lures in life.
But here comes the unexpected. They ask Jesus what he thinks. They probably should have thought that question out more carefully. I am certain they thought they had him trapped regardless of his answer. They could not see an escape for him—it was either Roman of Jewish law that would condemn him. The demons are cackling. The scribes and Pharisees are smirking. The crowd smells blood. The universe holds its breath. The law interpreters and the law-giver are about to go toe to toe. It is my life is on the line, together with the fallen woman.
We are condemned no matter what. The law, as defined is Leviticus 20:10 is pretty clear. Death. Romans 6:23 is equally succinct. Death. The woman does not have a leg to stand on. She is guilty, and as a result her fate is sealed. Just like me.
The woman may not have had a case, but she certainly could have raised a stink and made life more than a bit uncomfortable for many of the men judging her. For one, the passage in the Book of Leviticus specifically calls for both adulterer and adulteress to be brought for punishment. The man has mysteriously vanished since being caught in the very act, since it “takes two to tango.” It honestly sound like a set-up and the woman is the dupe in this sanctimonious sting. Satan is the master of sly. None of us has escaped his sin-tinged lures in life.
But here comes the unexpected. They ask Jesus what he thinks. They probably should have thought that question out more carefully. I am certain they thought they had him trapped regardless of his answer. They could not see an escape for him—it was either Roman of Jewish law that would condemn him. The demons are cackling. The scribes and Pharisees are smirking. The crowd smells blood. The universe holds its breath. The law interpreters and the law-giver are about to go toe to toe. It is my life is on the line, together with the fallen woman.
Monday, March 2, 2015
John 8:4
When the group of Jewish leaders have thrown the woman at the feet of Jesus, they state their case to him, “Teacher, this woman was nabbed in the very act of adultery!” John 8:4 EFP
This is what Satan does best. He is an unscrupulous prosecuting attorney seeking a conviction at all cost and by every means available to him. He has no qualms about digging up the dirt on us. He specializes in setting us up for the fall and then surprising us in the midst of the fall to document the event for the world to see.
I am that woman. I am guilty of adultery. It doesn’t matter the reason or the path that led me there—I am guilty. I was caught in the very act! Satan only states the obvious. I am guilty. We all are. Who can say they have never been caught in adultery? We have been guilty of spiritual unfaithfulness at some moment or time. We have all wandered away (Isaiah 53:6). We are all fallen women (and men) caught red-handed with no defense or escape. We are laid bare for the universe to see and blush at our behavior.
The only good news is that, as the woman in this story, we find ourselves prone and beaten but at the feet of Jesus. That is where I want to be…always, regardless of circumstance. But the woman does not know this…yet.
This is what Satan does best. He is an unscrupulous prosecuting attorney seeking a conviction at all cost and by every means available to him. He has no qualms about digging up the dirt on us. He specializes in setting us up for the fall and then surprising us in the midst of the fall to document the event for the world to see.
I am that woman. I am guilty of adultery. It doesn’t matter the reason or the path that led me there—I am guilty. I was caught in the very act! Satan only states the obvious. I am guilty. We all are. Who can say they have never been caught in adultery? We have been guilty of spiritual unfaithfulness at some moment or time. We have all wandered away (Isaiah 53:6). We are all fallen women (and men) caught red-handed with no defense or escape. We are laid bare for the universe to see and blush at our behavior.
The only good news is that, as the woman in this story, we find ourselves prone and beaten but at the feet of Jesus. That is where I want to be…always, regardless of circumstance. But the woman does not know this…yet.
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