But now you are trying to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. But now you are trying to kill Me,This phrase highlights the growing hostility towards Jesus from the Jewish leaders. The intent to kill Jesus reflects the increasing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities, who saw Him as a threat to their power and influence. This animosity is rooted in Jesus' claims of divinity and His challenge to their interpretations of the Law. The desire to kill Jesus fulfills the prophetic anticipation of the suffering servant, as seen in Isaiah 53:3-7, where the Messiah is described as being despised and rejected by men. Jhn 7:19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps it… a man who has told you the truth Jesus emphasizes His humanity here, which is significant in the context of the Incarnation. He is fully God and fully man, a mystery central to Christian theology. The truth He speaks is not just factual but divine revelation, aligning with His role as the Word made flesh (John 1:14). His teachings often challenged the established religious norms, calling people back to the heart of God's commandments rather than mere ritual observance. Gal 4:16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? that I heard from God. This phrase underscores Jesus' unique relationship with the Father, affirming His divine authority. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus frequently speaks of His unity with the Father (John 10:30) and His role as the one who reveals the Father to humanity (John 14:9). This claim to divine revelation was a direct challenge to the religious leaders, who prided themselves on their understanding of God and the Law. Jhn 15:15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant… Abraham never did such a thing. Jesus contrasts the actions of the Jewish leaders with those of Abraham, the patriarch of Israel. Abraham is revered for his faith and obedience to God (Genesis 15:6), and Jesus implies that true children of Abraham would act in faith and righteousness, not in violence and rejection of God's messenger. This reference to Abraham also connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant with Abraham and the promise of blessing to all nations through his offspring, ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Galatians 3:16). Gen 15:6 Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing the Jewish leaders and people, emphasizing His divine mission and the truth He brings from God. 2. Jewish Leaders The audience Jesus is speaking to, who are plotting against Him due to His claims and teachings that challenge their authority and understanding of the law. 3. Abraham The patriarch of the Jewish faith, referenced by Jesus to highlight the contrast between Abraham's faithfulness and the current actions of the Jewish leaders. 4. God The source of the truth that Jesus is proclaiming, underscoring the divine authority behind His message. 5. The Truth Central to Jesus' mission, representing the divine revelation and the fulfillment of God's promises through Christ. Teaching Points The Nature of TruthJesus embodies and speaks the truth from God. As believers, we are called to seek and uphold this truth in our lives, even when it challenges societal norms or personal beliefs. Contrast with Abraham Jesus uses Abraham as a model of faith and obedience. We should strive to emulate Abraham's openness to God's message and His messengers. Resistance to Divine Truth The Jewish leaders' reaction to Jesus highlights a common human tendency to resist uncomfortable truths. We must examine our hearts for areas where we might be resisting God's truth. The Cost of Following Jesus Jesus' life and message often provoke opposition. As His followers, we should be prepared to face challenges and opposition for standing by His truth. Faith and Action True faith, like Abraham's, is demonstrated through actions. Our belief in Jesus should be evident in how we live and respond to God's truth. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jesus' reference to Abraham in John 8:40 challenge the Jewish leaders' understanding of their heritage and faith?2. In what ways can we ensure that we are open to receiving and acting upon the truth that comes from God, as opposed to resisting it? 3. How does the example of Abraham's faith in Genesis 18 inspire us to respond to God's truth in our daily lives? 4. What are some modern-day examples of resistance to divine truth, and how can we, as Christians, address these challenges? 5. How can we apply the lessons from John 8:40 to strengthen our faith and witness in a world that often opposes the message of Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 18Abraham's hospitality and faithfulness to God's messengers contrast with the hostility Jesus faces, illustrating the difference in response to divine truth. John 14:6 Jesus' declaration as "the way, the truth, and the life" connects to His role as the bearer of divine truth in John 8:40. Hebrews 11:8-19 Highlights Abraham's faith and obedience, reinforcing Jesus' point about Abraham's character and actions. Acts 7:52 Stephen's speech about the prophets being persecuted connects to the rejection Jesus faces, showing a pattern of resistance to God's messengers. People Jesus, DisciplesPlaces Jerusalem, Mount of OlivesTopics Death, Desire, Didn't, Fact, Kill, Longing, Seek, Seeking, Spoken, TruthDictionary of Bible Themes John 8:40 1436 reality Library Ascension DayEversley. Chester Cathedral. 1872. St John viii. 58. "Before Abraham was, I am." Let us consider these words awhile. They are most fit for our thoughts on this glorious day, on which the Lord Jesus ascended to His Father, and to our Father, to His God, and to our God, that He might be glorified with the glory which He had with the Father before the making of the world. For it is clear that we shall better understand Ascension Day, just as we shall better understand Christmas or Eastertide, … Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons December 18 Evening September 15 Morning February 27 Evening December 10 Evening February 28 Evening April 9. "I do Always those Things that Please Him" (John viii. 29). The Light of the World 'Never in Bondage' Three Aspects of Faith July the Fifth the Discipleship that Tells On the Words of the Gospel, John viii. 31, "If Ye Abide in My Word, Then are Ye Truly My Disciples," Etc. Believing on Jesus, and Its Counterfeits Sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Lent Morgan -- the Perfect Ideal of Life Freedom. Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all Its Vanities Tobacco. Messianic Claims Met by Attempt to Stone Jesus. Sin. The Course of the World. The First Chapter: Imitating Christ and Despising all Vanities on Earth Links John 8:40 NIVJohn 8:40 NLT John 8:40 ESV John 8:40 NASB John 8:40 KJV John 8:40 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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