Lesson 25

Confused

John 8:37-59

We continue, tonight, in John 8:37-59. Frankly, this passage is another tough one to preach. It consists of dialogue which is not easy to organize systematically. In the kind of discussion and debate that was going on between Jesus and these Jews, a new subject would be introduced before and old one was settled. This passage is not easy to apply. But it is the Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and so it is profitable to us according to II Timothy and for our learning, according to Romans.

One thing that we discover from this passage is that there are some people that get all of their exercise from jumping to wrong conclusions. They rest their eternal destiny on their assumptions, a dangerous decision indeed.

The truth is that these Jews were confused. The truth was lost from them. Perhaps it would be more accurate saying they were deceived. They were wrong and didn't even know it.

We learned this morning that they were confused about their freedom, vs. 32-36. They claimed to have never been in slavery which just wasn't true.

We shall learn tonight that they were confuse about the father and they were also confused about their future.

Confused About The Father, 8:37-47.

There are three "fathers" referred to in these verses. There is Abraham, the father of the Jews, v. 39. There is God, the Father of Jesus Christ, v. 38. There is the devil, the father of evil doers, v.44.

They claimed Abraham as their father. Every Jew did. At least 11 times in the Bible is Abraham referred to as "our father". Jesus did not deny that Abraham was the father of these Jews, physically speaking. "I know that ye are Abraham's seed." But Jesus goes on to say that the physical aspect is where their relationship with Abraham ended. They are not spiritual descendants of Abraham. Abraham believed and obeyed God. If they were spiritually related to Abraham, they would do what Abraham did, they "would do the works of Abraham" (v. 39). Instead they were seeking to kill Jesus and man who told them divine truth, v. 40.

These Jews believed that their physical relationship to Abraham was of spiritual benefit. But the Bible says, Gal 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

Not only did they believe that their physical relationship to Abraham benefited them spiritually, they also claimed God as their father, v. 41. Once again, it was because they were Jews that they made this claim. Perhaps they backed it up with the Old Testament. Jeremiah 31:9 is one of the rare places in the Old Testament where God is referred to as a father. "For I am a father to Israel."

In claiming God as their Father, they deny that Jesus is who He claimed to be - the Son of God. We are not born of fornication. Their words seems to have a subtle implication concerning Christ's parenthood. "At least, we weren't born from fornication" it sounds like they are saying making a blasphemous slur against Jesus. God is our Father, not yours.

But God is not their Father. Jesus explained that they were devoid of the Father's character - they had not love for Christ, v.42,. Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Their absence of understanding revealed the difference in their origins from Jesus, vs. 42b-43.

Spiritually speaking, they are neither the children of Abraham nor of God. They are children of Satan, v. 44. We often hear, today, claims and assumptions in the universal fatherhood of God and the universal brotherhood of man. But that is not what Jesus taught. This evildoers are the spiritual offspring of the devil. Satan is a murderer - one who deliberately kills - and a liar - one who deliberately deceives. Jesus is presented in this gospel as the one who is "full of grace and truth" while Satan is full of murder and lies. These Jews demonstrated by their actions whose descendant they really were. Satan lies to them but they accuse Jesus of lying and refuse to believe Him, v. 45.

They are confused about the Father.

What a challenge is extended by Jesus in verse 46a. Could anyone point the finger at a single sin in His life? Could they by taking any of the 613 commandments in the Mosaic Law and testing His life by their letter and by their spirit find one that he had broken? Were they to go to His home, to interview and cross-examine his mother, his brothers and sisters, his neighbors in Nazareth would they be able to find any flaw in his character or conduct? Should they retrace the steps of his ministry in Galilee or Judea, in crowd or in private meetings, would they find anyone who could find a single fault in this man? Pilate couldn't. "I find no fault in him" he said three times about Jesus. Over and over, again and again, the apostles spoke of the perfection of Christ. Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 1 Pet 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 2 Cor 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; 1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Would any of us issue such a challenge? We dare not because we could not (Gary Hart). There is no doubt some "monkey business" somewhere in all our lives. But not Jesus. And anyone who is so perfect, so holy, reveals that he can be trusted and believed. But these Jews refused to believe him. There is no salvation or security in either race or religion.

They Were Confused About Their Future, 8:48-59.

They heard what Jesus said and then accused him of being a Samaritan and demon possessed. There was such a hatred for Samaritans that if you wanted to really insult someone you called them a Samaritan. To accuse someone of having a demon is also calling him crazy or insane.

Jesus did not answer their insult about the Samaritan. But he did speak about the accusation of demon possession, vs. 49-50. "I honor my Father but you dishonor me."

Those who hear and heed Christ will "never see death." What a promise! (Illustration: Saved). Once again, Jesus is speaking spiritually, but these men can only think physically. Now we know you are demon possessed. Abraham died, they said. The prophets died. But you claim that those who keep your words will never die. Who are you claiming to be? Greater than Abraham?

The answer to that question is that Jesus claimed to be God. His answer speaks of his deity - his sinlessness, his eternal nature, His self-existence "I am", vs. 54-58. And for that they sought to stone him, v. 59.