The Gospel of John #50
/By Robert E. Guenther
Continuing our review of the Gospel of John, Chapter 8, the debate on whether or not the rulers should believe that this man Jesus is indeed the Christ.
Vs John 8:42 “Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.”. The Lord is stating if these Jews were true believers they would love Him.
Vs John 8:43 “Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.”. This question is meant to convict them because it was obvious they did not believe that He was the Christ who was sent to them from the Father.
Vs John 8:44 “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it”. This verse tells the Jews their true father was the devil and their actions proved this fact.
Vs John 8:45 “And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.” The truth is often rejected if it is not what the people want to believe about themselves.
Vs John 8:46 “Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?” Who is qualified to accuse me of sin. Why do you reject the truth.
Vs John 8:47 “He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God..”. The only reason we cannot hear God is that we refuse to believe the truth. The responsibility to believe falls upon us and not with God.
Vs John 8:48 “Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” The Jews try to answer the question presented by the Lord with yet another question by asking Him if He has a devil or false spirit in Him.
Vs John 8:49 “Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.”. His answer to their response was that they were very insulting to the Lords’ character as He does not have a devil in Him
Vs John 8:50 “And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.”. The Jews will face judgment from the Father for how they responded to His questions and the rejection of the only one who could save them. to be continued….