Weekend Wrap-up
Theme of the Week: Truth Really Does Matter
Saturday, January 20, 2007
 1 of 2
In chapters 7 through 10 of his Gospel, John records escalating conflict between Jesus and Israel's religious leaders. "How does he know so much," these puzzled leaders ask themselves (in 7:15), "when he hasn't studied everything we've studied?" But their resistance to the truth He declares leads Jesus to brand them as blinded and aligned with the Devil. They charge Him with blasphemy and attempt to arrest and stone Him.
Interact with God's Word
John 8:31-47
- How does believing error enslave a person?
- How does aligning one's life with Jesus' teaching free a person?
- In what two senses (v. 39) could a person be a child of Abraham?
- Why is it risky to assume that being raised in a Christian family or being a church member makes one an insider in God's Kingdom?
- Why did the leaders fail to understand Jesus' words (v. 43)? Intellectual deficiency? Prejudice? Pride? Or something else?
- Did Jesus call for blind faith? Or an honest inquiry with a commitment to act on the results?
- Why must deceptive beliefs be ultimately traced to the devil?
- If we don't listen gladly to some of God's words, what urgent action is required?
Spend Time in Prayer
Ask God for the insight to distinguish His truth from the devil's deceptions, and the courage to stand up for it.
John 8:31-47
31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings.32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."33 "But we are descendants of Abraham," they said. "We have never been slaves to anyone on earth. What do you mean, 'set free'?
34 Jesus replied, "I assure you that everyone who sins is a slave of sin.
35 A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever.
36 So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free.
37 Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because my message does not find a place in your hearts.
38 I am telling you what I saw when I was with my Father. But you are following the advice of your father."
39 "Our father is Abraham," they declared. "No," Jesus replied, "for if you were children of Abraham, you would follow his good example.
40 I told you the truth I heard from God, but you are trying to kill me. Abraham wouldn't do a thing like that.
41 No, you are obeying your real father when you act that way." They replied, "We were not born out of wedlock! Our true Father is God himself."
42 Jesus told them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me.
When Your truth is under attack, Lord, help me to stand up for it without belligerence.
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