John
John 8:44 The father of lies
You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and…
Read MoreJohn 8:42-43 The spirit of family
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word.” John 8:42-43 NKJV We imitate that which…
Read MoreJohn 8:33-41 Removing stones in the garden
They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth…
Read MoreJohn 8:31 Not all believers are created equal
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32 NKJV Are all believers equal? One thing my heart and my mind stumble over in this passage is that there…
Read MoreJohn 8:30-32 Freedom for the prisoners
Even as he spoke, many believed in him. To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:30-32 NIV This and what follows is one of the most bizarre interactions…
Read MoreJohn 8:28 Clearly ambiguous identity
So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. John 8:28 (NASB) Jesus says this so matter of fact: Once I’m crucified (lifted up) then you will…
Read MoreJohn 8:28-29 Aching for closeness
… but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him. John 8:28-29 Jesus’ words are truly incredible. Who among us can say that we only speak the words given…
Read MoreJohn 8:25 Know me by my words
“Who are you?” they asked. “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning,” Jesus replied.” John 8:25 NIV Rotherham translates this verse [with notes]: They were saying to him therefore, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “First and foremost [at the outset, or fundamentally] even what I speak to you.” [or “What…
Read MoreJohn 8:23 An extraterrestrial visitor?
And He was saying to them, “You are from [realms] below, I am from [realms] above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. John 8:23 (NASB) At first reading, Jesus’ words may seem condescending, but I don’t believe that was his intention. To relate his meaning to my own experience, I…
Read MoreJohn 8:21-22 One place I may not follow Jesus
Then Jesus said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.” So the Jews said, “Will He kill Himself, because He says, ‘Where I go you cannot come’?” John 8:21-22 NKJV Jesus said something very similar in John 7:33-34,…
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