João 8
Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin
João 8
Spurgeon has an interesting comment on commits sin - There is this in the original, “Whosoever maketh sin.” It is not exactly, “Whosoever committeth it,” because if so, all would be the servants of sin, and God would have no sons at all. But it says in the original “Whosoever maketh sin,” that is, whosoever makes it his choice, and makes it the delight of his soul, whosoever doth this is the servant of sin, and is no son of God. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) J Michael Ramsey - Jesus’ main point here is simply that the actual enslavement of these “believing Jews” was not to Rome, but (in common with the whole world) to sin, and therefore finally to death. (Ro 5:12, Ro 6:23) (BORROW The Gospel of John) David Thompson - The worst form of enslavement one can actually have is an enslavement that is so dominating that one does not even realize he is enslaved. Sin can so enslave and dominate a person that they actually lose sight of the fact that they are totally controlled by their evil. If a person persists in a life of sin, that is what a person is a slave to. You are not free if sin has such a gripping control of your life that you cannot shake it. What Christ is saying here is you have a sin problem and the way to tell whether or not you are really right with Me is whether or not some sin enslaves you. If you are continually being drawn to indulge in something sinful, then you are not free. The worst tyrant to which any may be enslaved is to sin because the end result is always death. Sin will kill your spiritual life and it will kill your spiritual victory. J
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Spurgeon - The Lord Jesus also told the contradicting sinners that the day would come when quibblers would be convinced. Observe how He put it, “When you have lifted up the Son of man, then shall you know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself.” Quibblers may have a fine time of it just now, but they will one day be convinced either to their conversion or their confusion. Let us hope that many will see the truth before they die—early enough to seek and find a Savior....Quibblers, you may riot for a little season, but your time is short; the hour will come when you shall behold, and wonder, and perish. I pray that there may come an end to your unbelief by your being convinced in this life, and led to repentance, but if it is not so, you will certainly be ashamed and confounded in the day when the Lord shall come in His glory, and you shall in vain beseech the mountains to fall upon you and hide you from His face. (Sermon Believing on Jesus, and its Counterfeits) Henry Alford suggests that the words of Jesus have a double fulfilment, so that some of the Jews would know Him by being converted, and some by being punished and judged. Spurgeon - Blessed be God, there were many, after the crucifixion of Christ, who did. believe in him! Yet, alas! in others, the blindness of heart continued, and they would not see the Messiah in him who was crucified. We, who believe in the uplifted Saviour, can see the Father in the Son; and to us, faith has become a most blessed thing; and we know that he does nothing of himself, and that, as the Father has taught him, so he speaks. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) J Michael Ramsey on you will know - in sharp contrast to their present situation, in which “They did not know that he was telling them of the Father” (v. 27) Each time the “lifting up” of Jesus on the cross is mentioned in this Gospel, something good comes of it, whether the prospect “that everyone who believes might have eternal life in him” (see Jn 3:14–15) or that, as Jesus says, “I will draw them all to myself” (Jn 12:32). Here it is the knowledge of who Jesus is, and what his relationship is to the Father.....The promise given here adds a new dimension to what he said when he first came to the temple and began to teach: “If anyone chooses to do his will, he will know about the teaching, whether it is from God, or whether I speak on my own” (Jn 7:17). (BORROW The Gospel of John) As an aside I have often wondered "Why didn't the Jews stone him here? He has clearly stated He was/is God. Why wait until he repeated the phrase in Jn 8:58? What He says to people is what God has spoken to Him. His message is not of human origin, but Divine. -- Leon Morris And I do (absolutely) nothing on My own initiative (literally "of myself"), but I speak these things as the Father taught (didasko) Me - The dependence of the Son on the Father and the revelation from the Father. Jesus is saying that now only will they Jews know that He was/is the Messiah, but that He had not said anything on His own authority, but only said what His Father had commissioned Him to say. THOUGHT - How many things do you do leaning on your own initiative without even consulting your Father? That's a rhetorical question to which I personally answer "Too many things!!!" Jesus is our example to imitate (and to abide in) and He did NOTHING on His own. Think of spiritual fruit bearing where Jesus clearly taught they apart from Him we can do absolutely nothing! Kostenberger - Jesus, as the sent Son, again affirms his dependence on the Father, in keeping with the Jewish maxim that “a man’s agent [šālı̂aḥ] is like the man himself” (e.g., mishnah Berakot 5.5). The Father is with Jesus; he has never abandoned his Son. (See John - Page 260) Lift up (5312) (hupsoo from hupsos = height, elevation) means to lift up spatially, to raise high. Figuratively, it can describe lifting one up to a place of honor, fame, power, or position (to exalt). Hupsoo is used as a reference to the crucifixion in Jn 3:14, 8:28, 12:32, 34 (cp use in Lxx of Ps 9:13 where "affliction" in the Lxx = tapeinosis = low estate, humiliation, which again links "exaltation" [lift me up] with "humiliation".). Hupsoo in other contexts clearly alludes to Jesus' ascension to the right hand of His Father's throne (Acts 2:33, 5:31). It is possible to interpret Jn 12:32 with a "double meaning" as referring not only to His crucifixion but also His exaltation to heaven. Hupsoo - 16v - exalt(2), exalted(9), exalts(3), lift(1), lifted(4), made...great(1). Matt. 11:23; Matt. 23:12; Lk. 1:52; Lk. 10:15; Lk. 14:11; Lk. 18:14; Jn. 3:14; Jn. 8:28; Jn. 12:32; Jn. 12:34; Acts 2:33; Acts 5:31; Acts 13:17; 2 Co. 11:7; Jas. 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:6 QUESTION - What does it mean that Jesus is the Son of Man? ANSWER - Jesus is referred to as the “Son of Man” 88 times in the New Testament. In fact, Son of Man is the primary title Jesus used when referring to Himself (e.g., Matthew 12:32; 13:37; Luke 12:8; John 1:51). The only use of Son of Man in a clear reference to Jesus, spoken by someone other than Jesus, came from the lips of Stephen as he was being martyred (Acts 7:56). Son of Man is a title of humanity. Other titles for Christ, such as Son of God, are overt in their focus on His deity. Son of Man, in contrast, focuses on the humanity of Christ. God called the prophet Ezekiel “son of man” 93 times. In this way, God was simply calling Ezekiel a human being. Son of man is simply a periphrastic term for “human.” Jesus Christ was truly a human being. He came “in the flesh” (1 John 4:2). Son of Man is a title of humility. The Second Person of the Trinity, eternal in nature, left heaven’s glory and took on human flesh, becoming the Son of Man, born in a manger and “despised and rejected by mankind” (Isaiah 53:3). The Son of Man had “no place to lay his head” (Luke 9:58). The Son of Man ate and drank with sinners (Matthew 11:19). The Son of Man suffered at the hands of men (Matthew 17:12). This intentional lowering of His status from King of Heaven to Son of Man is the epitome of humility (see Philippians 2:6–8). Son of Man is a title of deity. Ezekiel may have been a son of man, but Jesus is the Son of Man. As such, Jesus is the supreme example of all that God intended mankind to be, the embodiment of truth and grace (John 1:14). In Him “all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9). For this reason, the Son of Man was able to forgive sins (Matthew 9:6). The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28). The Son of Man came to save lives (Luke 9:56; 19:10), rise from the dead (Mark 9:9), and execute judgment (John 5:27). At His trial before the high priest, Jesus said, “I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Matthew 26:64). This statement immediately ended the trial, as the court accused the Lord of blasphemy and condemned Him to death (verses 65–66). Son of Man is a fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus’ claim before the high priest to be the Son of Man was a reference to the prophecy of Daniel 7:13–14, “I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed” (NKJV). Daniel saw glory, worship, and an everlasting kingdom given to the Messiah—here called the “Son of Man”—and Jesus applied this prophecy to Himself. Jesus also spoke of His coming kingdom on other occasions (Matthew 13:41; 16:28). The author of Hebrews used a reference to the “son of man” in the Psalms to teach that Jesus, the true Son of Man, will be the ruler of all things (Hebrews 2:5–9; cf. Psalm 8:4–6). The Son of Man, in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, will be the King. Jesus was fully God (John 1:1), but He was also fully human (John 1:14). As the Son of God and the Son of Man, He is deserving of both titles.GotQuestions.org RELATED RESOURCES: What does it mean that Jesus is the Son of God? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Jesus is the son of David? | GotQuestions.org John 8:29 "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." he that sent: Jn 8:16 14:10,11 16:32 Isa 42:1,6 49:4-8 50:4-9 2Ti 4:17,22 for: Jn 4:34 5:30 6:38 14:31 15:10 17:4 Isa 42:1,21 Mt 3:17 17:5 Heb 4:15 5:8,9 7:26 10:5-10 1Jn 2:1 John 8 - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: John 3:34 “For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure. John 5:17 But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.” John 5:30 “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. John 6:38 “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. John 11:42 (UNBROKEN RELATIONSHIP WITH FATHER) “I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” Mark 1:11 and a voice came out of the heavens: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.” Matthew 3:17 and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” Matthew 17:5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” THE FATHER IS WITH THE SON And He who sent Me is (present tense - continually) with Me (permanent union); He has not left (aphiemi) Me alone - Jesus is referring of course to His Father Who sent Him. In what way has He not left Him alone? There are two ways. The Father is omnipresent so is always with Jesus. Jesus was fully Man, and did what He did in the power of the Holy Spirit Who did not leave Him alone. He who holds nearest communion with Heaven can best discharge the duties of everyday life. Spurgeon - I commend that short sentence to all my Master’s servants, for there is great comfort in it, Your Lord could say this, and so can you if you are truly employed in his service: “He that sent me is with me? There is another precious motto for you. Jesus could truly say, “The Father hath not left me alone;” and, as he did not leave his only-begotten and well-beloved Son, so he will not leave any of his sons. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) THOUGHT on He who sent Me is with Me - "This made Christ’s life so calm, so deeply joyous amid all its sorrow. “He that sent me is with me.” Servant of God, canst thou say the same? If so, it is thy joy, thy confidence thy strength. God grant that we may each one of us realize that blessed presence of our Lord!" AMEN! (Spurgeon) Spurgeon - Brethren, what Christ could say, I trust many of his servants can also say in a like manner. “He that sent me is with me.” What power, what pleasure, must the presence of God give to his servants! “The Father hath not left me alone.” Oh! how blessed to feel that behind us is the sound of our Master’s feet, and that in us is the temple of his presence! We cannot, however, say, as Christ did, “I do always those things that please him,” for, alas! we have the remembrance of sin this morning, and have to confess it in his sight. But let us also remember that he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) Earlier Jesus had declared "But even if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone in it, but I and the Father who sent Me." (Jn 8:16+) For (hoti) - Term of explanation. Jesus is explaining why the Father was with Him and had not left Him. I always (pantote) do the things that are pleasing (arestos) to Him - Jesus is saying that He always does the will of His Father. This is another way to say He is sinless. It is also His pattern for us to imitate as noted below. Spurgeon - Christ could truly say that. Oh, that it might be true of us, too! Let us labour earnestly to be able to say that. If there is anything which would not please God, let us have nothing to do with it; if it would not please God, it ought not to please us. Blessed shall that servant of the Lord be, who can sincerely say, “I do always those things that please him.” (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) THOUGHT - In always pleasing His Father, Jesus becomes an example for all believers to imitate (cf 1Co 11:1+, 1Jn 2:6+ - See The Holy Spirit-Walking Like Jesus Walked). Therefore it behooves us to frequently pray Colossians 1:9-10 for ourselves and all other saints "so that (we) will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects." Spurgeon - Quibblers ought to be convinced even now; the Savior implies this when He adds, “He that sent Me is with Me: the Father has not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.” The character of Jesus should have convinced the Jews of His mission. His evident obedience to God, and the equally evident witness of God to Him, would have led them to see His Messiahship if they had not been blinded by prejudice and pride. Any candid man at the present day, studying the life of Christ, and observing His unique character, should be convinced that He is the Son of God, and should come to believe in Him. (Sermon BELIEVING ON JESUS, AND ITS COUNTERFEITS) Pleasing (701)(arestos from aresko) is an adjective which describes that which is acceptable, pleasing, satisfying, agreeable, that which elicits an agreeable response, gratifying. The first use in the Septuagint is Ge 3:6 where Eve says the tree was good for food and that it was a delight (Hebrew = taavah from avah - to incline or desire = a desire; Lxx = arestos) to the eyes." In Dt 6:18 (cp Dt 12:28, 13:18, 21:9) Moses writes "You shall do what is right (Hebrew = yashar - straight, upright; Lxx = arestos) and good in the sight of the LORD," whereas Dt 12:8 speaks of doing what is "right (Hebrew = yashar; Lxx = arestos) in your own eyes." It is interesting that many of the uses in Deuteronomy refer to doing what is pleasing "in the sight of the LORD." It is notable that the root verb aresko "originally meant “to set up a positive relation,” hence “to make peace,” then aesthetically “to please,” with such nuances as a. “to be well disposed,” b. “to take a pleasant attitude,” and c. “to please.”" (TDNT) Arestos - 4x - desirable(1), pleased(1), pleasing(1), things that are pleasing(1). Jn. 8:29; Acts 6:2; Acts 12:3; 1 Jn. 3:22 Spurgeon - If you want to know what things please God, let me refer you to one or two passages of Scripture. David says in Psalm 69:30–31, ‘I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.’ The apostle says in Hebrews 13:16, ‘But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.’ Let us, then, constantly praise God. Let us have hymns in store for moments when we can sing, and thoughts in store for moments when the tongue must be silent, but when the heart may yet sing aloud unto the Most High. Bless the Lord, for ‘Whoso offereth praise glorifieth’ him. A thankful spirit is always pleasing to God; therefore cultivate it and shake off, as you would shake off a viper from your hand, the spirit of murmuring against the Most High. A thankful humble poor woman may please God better than the most talented minister who is evermore complaining of the dispensations of God. John tells us in 1 John 3:22–23 that we are to ‘do those things that are pleasing in his sight’, and adds, ‘this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another’. Faith, therefore, is one of the pleasing graces. We read of Enoch that ‘before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him’. Love to the brethren is also another of the graces which please God. He would have us love his people, care for the poor, relieve those that are sick and cheer those who are cast down. Brethren, if you would please the Lord, put aside all petty jealousies and labour to prevent disunion, for brotherly love is one of the most pleasing sights which the Father of mercies sees. (The Christian’s Motto) John 8:30 As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him. BGT John 8:30 Ταῦτα αὐτοῦ λαλοῦντος πολλοὶ ἐπίστευσαν εἰς αὐτόν. KJV John 8:30 As he spake these words, many believed on him. NET John 8:30 While he was saying these things, many people believed in him. CSB John 8:30 As He was saying these things, many believed in Him. ESV John 8:30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him. NIV John 8:30 Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him. NLT John 8:30 Then many who heard him say these things believed in him. NRS John 8:30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him. NJB John 8:30 As he was saying this, many came to believe in him. NAB John 8:30 Because he spoke this way, many came to believe in him. YLT John 8:30 As he is speaking these things, many believed in him; GWN John 8:30 As Jesus was saying this, many people believed in him. BBE John 8:30 When he said this a number came to have faith in him. RSV John 8:30 As he spoke thus, many believed in him. NKJ John 8:30 As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. ASV John 8:30 As he spake these things, many believed on him. MIT John 8:30 After his saying these things, many believed in him. DBY John 8:30 As he spoke these things many believed on him. NIRV John 8:30 Even while Jesus was speaking, many people put their faith in him. many: Jn 2:23-24 Jn 6:14 Jn 7:31 10:42 11:45 John 8 - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Titus 1:16+ They (present tense - continually) profess to know God, BUT by their deeds (NOTE THE TEST OF AUTHENTICITY) they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed. John 2:23-24+ Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed (pisteuo) in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. 24 But Jesus, on His part, was (ouk = absolutely) not entrusting (pisteuo) Himself to them, for He knew all men, BELIEF: PROFESSION OR POSSESSION? If John 6:66 illustrates one aspect of false versus genuine discipleship (false disciples depart and no longer walk with Jesus), John 8:30-32 illustrates another aspect, defining the mark of genuine faith and the test of a true disciple/believer. Contrary to a false teaching in some evangelical circles, it must be reiterated that every believer is a disciple. Rod Mattoon on those who said they believed in Jesus - Our Lord knew what was truly going on in their hearts and what was on the inside would come out into the open. Their profession was not possession. C H Spurgeon - There is such a thing as a temporary faith; beware of it, I beseech you. Men appear to believe in Christ for a little while, like that seed which was sown upon the rock, which speedily sprang up, and just as quickly withered away (Mk 4:5,16,17+) God-given faith is not temporary, but permanent: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” God gives us the faith which is able to endure the fire of persecution, and which continues steadfast even when exposed to the evil example of an ungodly world. “He that endureth to the end shall be saved;” (Mt 24:13) but temporary faith brings only delusion, and ends in destruction. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) J Michael Ramsey introduces this next section (Jn 8:30-59) as follows - Now the shift is from “the Jews” (Jn 8:22) to “the Jews who had believed him” (Jn 8:31), a shift that is, on the face of it, far more noteworthy. “The Jews who had believed him” signals quite clearly to the readers of the Gospels that Jesus is now addressing believers, not unbelievers, and more specifically Jewish believers in Christ. While many interpreters have tried to avoid this conclusion because of the harsh words Jesus later speaks to this audience (Jn 8:37–46), (The most common strategies are either to excise the words “who had believed him” as a scribal gloss (see, for example, Brown, 1.354; Lindars, 323–24) or to distinguish sharply between “believing in Jesus” (v. 30) and merely “believing him” (for example, Barrett, 344; Moloney, 275), or to assume that the audience changes back again as soon as real dialogue begins.) the Gospel writer’s words (“the Jews who had believed him”) are open to no other interpretation. The section to follow details a progressive unraveling of the “faith” of these “believing Jews,” first over the issue of slavery and freedom (Jn 8:32–33), but eventually over the issue of eternal life (Jn 8:51–52) and Jesus’ power to confer life. At the end of the day, the question on which these “believers” stumble is christological: “Who do you make yourself to be?” (Jn 8:53), ending in Jesus’ magisterial self-revelation, “I am” (Jn 8:58). (BORROW The Gospel of John) As He spoke these things, many came to believe (pisteuo) in Him - They came to believe intellectually but as the rest of the chapter shows their belief was superficial, in their head but not their heart so that they were professors but not possessors (cp Jn 2:23, Jn 3:36 Jn 8:37,39,44, Titus 1:16) James 2:19 teaches belief (faith) is more than intellectual assent, but is a full acknowledgment of the Truth revealed about God, a surrender to that Truth, and a conduct that emanates from that surrender. Genuine Biblical faith obeys. Hebrews 3:18 says "And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient?" Now compare Heb 3:19 which says "So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief." Can you see how the writer of Hebrews gives us in effect a "definition" of genuine faith? By deduction, we see it is clear that faith that is genuine is faith that demonstrates it is genuine by obedience. Don't misunderstand what we are saying. Faith alone saves. Obedience does not save us. What obedience does is that it demonstrates that our faith is genuine. Stated another way, we are not speaking of perfect obedience for we would all fail this test. What we are speaking about is direction, not perfection. If a person says he believes in Jesus and manifests no evidence of obedience to God's Word, that person's faith is very likely not saving faith! (see also Heb 4:1,2+). Below are a number of commentaries on this important discussion in John 8:30-59 that address the issue of genuine belief. D A Carson - So compelling was Jesus’ teaching, even without the full comprehension that depended on the cross and resurrection, that many put their faith in him. That had happened before, at another Jerusalem feast, in consequence of Jesus’ miracles (Jn 2:23+); but that faith had turned out to be spurious (Jn 2:24–25). What of this faith? (BORROW The Gospel according to John) Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone. -- J Vernon McGee J Vernon McGee on John 8:30 - Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone. It will produce something. After a person believes on the Lord Jesus Christ, he will want to “continue in His Word.” The proof of faith is continuing with the Savior. As the pastor of a church, I learned to watch out for the person who is active in the church but is not interested in the study of the Word of God. Such a one is dangerous to a church. (John 7 Commentary or BORROW Thru the Bible - John 1-10) (Bolding added) John Heading on John 8:30 - Several times John used the verb “believe”, not in the sense of believing faith unto salvation, but in the sense of acquisition of facts. See John 6:30; Jn 20:8–9. This assertion is proved by Jn 8:31, where discipleship is based not so much on this acquisition of facts but on continuing in the Lord’s word. Belief that saves is a matter of the heart, not only of the mind. (What the Bible Teaches - John) (Bolding added) A T
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Spurgeon - It is not a mere profession that makes a man a saint; there must be a continuance of well-doing. We bind lads apprentice for a little time, but no man belongs to Christ unless he belongeth to him forever. There must be an entire giving up of one’s self, in life and unto death, to the Lord’s cause.....For there were many, in Christ’s day, coming to him for a while, and then going away from him; professing to believe, and then stumbling when Christ proclaimed some doctrine which struck them as being strange and hard to receive. Our Lord Jesus tells them that constancy is necessary to true discipleship. It is of no use to start running in the race unless we continue in the course till the prize is won. We are not true pilgrims to heaven merely because we cross the threshold of our door; we must keep on, and on, and on, till we reach the golden streets of the New Jerusalem.....“’If you became my disciples because of what I said, will you believe what I shall yet say? Are you prepared to take in still further revelations, and to receive whatever I shall teach you? If so, ‘then are ye my disciples indeed’” (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) "If you continue (meno) in My word (logos), then you (present tense - continually) are truly disciples of Mine - NET Bible = "If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples." NLT paraphrases it "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings." NJB = "If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples." "IF" [Gk = ean]). Technically, Jesus is responding to the professors with what is known as a third class conditional sentence which speaks of potential action. In other words, the condition may or may not be fulfilled, and that depends on what choice the individual makes (as noted by the fact that the key verb continue is in the active voice which describes a volitional choice, or choice of one's will). What Jesus is in a sense warning about is that the only way an individual who professes to believe in Him can know that he or she is a genuine, born again, heaven bound believer is by the fact that he or she continues or abides in His Word. He is speaking to those who believe (Jn 8:30) and He says if they "make His Word their home," (so to speak) they are truly His disciples. That is they are not just professors of belief but possessors of genuine belief. The verb meno translated continue (abide) means to remain or stay (in a given place, state or relation) and introduces a conditional statement which can be paraphrased "If you continue… ". To continue or abide describes as the general direction of one's life (not perfection because no one except Jesus abided perfectly). But using the third class condition, Jesus is saying that whether they are truly disciples/believers remains to be seen. He is saying in essence that if they are truly genuine believers (if they are truly "firmly rooted" in Him - Col 2:7), their "fruit" will demonstrate that they are "the real deal!" So what is the "fruit" (so to speak) in this passage? Abiding or remaining in His Word. Jesus is saying that if these "believers" remain or continue in His teaching, then (this is the fulfillment in this conditional sentence) it proves they are genuine disciples, genuine believers. The authentication of a genuine disciple of Jesus Christ is that they will not depart from the Word of God, but instead continue in His Word. To continue to abide in His Word in turn means they keep on believing the Word, keep on following the Word and keep on ordering their life according to His Word. Does this sound like works based salvation? One might misread it that way. Jesus is not saying that they merit or gain their status as a genuine disciple/believer by their self effort but that the general pattern of their life of abiding in His Word (including obeying His Word) is made possible because they are new creations in Christ (2Co 5:17+), with a new, supernatural desire for holy things including especially His Holy Word. Why? Because they possess the indwelling Holy Spirit, Who is the power Source Who enables lifelong abiding. In other words Jesus is saying that their endurance (see perseverance of the saints) demonstrates that they are genuine believers or "truly disciples" of Jesus. In Mt 24:13+ "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved." To summarize, Jesus states that genuine disciples will continue or remain in His Word, whereas false disciples ultimately will reject His word as actually did happen in John 6:66+ and later in this same encounter recorded in John 8:30-59 (See an almost unbelievable, tragic, heart-breaking real life example in the story of William Templeton - The Tragic Tale of Charles Templeton). The "rotten fruit" of those who believed in John 8:30 is seen in Jn 8:37, 43, 47, 59 and proves these Jews had only a superficial, non-saving faith! Clearly these Jews who "believed" in Jesus were not true believers/disciples because they did not continue in His Word but in fact wanted to kill the Word (Jn 8:59)!!! James would have said they needed to show him their faith by their works and their works were evil not good (See James 2:14-26+). These "believing" Jews in John 8:30 would be like those individuals Jesus warned about in Mt 7:21-23+ who will hear the somber, painful words from Jesus " ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS." D A Carson - Jesus now lays down exactly what it is that separates spurious faith from true faith, fickle disciples from genuine disciples: If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. The verb rendered ‘hold’ is menō, to abide, to remain—a theme of critical importance that returns in a concentrated way in ch. 15. In short, perseverance is the mark of true faith, of real disciples. A genuine believer remains in Jesus’ ‘word’ (logos), his teaching (cf. notes on 1:1): i.e. such a person obeys it, seeks to understand it better, and finds it more precious, more controlling, precisely when other forces flatly oppose it. It is the one who continues in the teaching who has both the Father and the Son (2 Jn. 9; cf. Heb. 3:14; Rev. 2:26). (Borrow The Gospel according to John) This is a most dangerous spiritual state. To recognize that truth is in Jesus and to do nothing about it means that in effect one ranges oneself with the enemies of the Lord. -- Leon Morris The highly respected theologian Leon
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Spurgeon - We need not think that some strange thing has happened to us as a church when the baser sort are found among us, for one such entered into that college of apostles, a man who, doubtless, believed the words of Jesus and thought him to be the Messiah: I mean Judas, who, with a traitor’s hand, sold his Master. His intellect had been convinced, but his heart had never been renewed. He even dared to use his profession of religion and the position which it brought him as a means of unhallowed gain. Another notable believer of this sort was Simon Magus, who believed because he saw the signs and wonders wrought by the apostles, but, as he also sought to make gain of godliness, he remained ‘in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity’, and never became ‘a disciple indeed.’ There is a greater one than these, even the devil. We read that ‘the devils also believe, and tremble.’ They hold the faith and feel something of the power of it, for they tremble, which is more than modern critics do. Devils know that Jesus is the Christ of God, for they have on occasion confessed it and have borne witness to the gospel in the open streets, crying after the preachers of the Word, and yet, with all their knowledge, with much of a sort of faith and with an apprehension which leads to trembling, they remain devils still and make no advance towards God. Beware of that faith which is a mere intellectual movement, which does not control the heart and life. To come to faith through a cold argument and to feel no spiritual life is a poor business. You want a faith that leads you to an entire reliance upon the person of Jesus, to the giving up of everything to him, to the reception of him as your Saviour and King, your all in all. You have not believed unto eternal life unless you have so believed on him. (Believing on Jesus, and Its Counterfeits) John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." BGT John 8:32 καὶ γνώσεσθε τὴν ἀλήθειαν, καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια ἐλευθερώσει ὑμᾶς. KJV John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. NET John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." CSB John 8:32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." ESV John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." NIV John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." NLT John 8:32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." NRS John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." NJB John 8:32 you will come to know the truth, and the truth will set you free. NAB John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." YLT John 8:32 and the truth shall make you free.' GWN John 8:32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." BBE John 8:32 And you will have knowledge of what is true, and that will make you free. RSV John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." NKJ John 8:32 "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." ASV John 8:32 and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. MIT John 8:32 Furthermore, you will experience truth, and the truth will free you." you will know the truth: Jn 6:45 7:17 14:6 16:13 Ps 25:5,8,9 Pr 1:23,29 2:1-7 4:18 Song 1:7,8 Isa 2:3 30:21 35:8 54:13 Jer 6:16 31:33,34 Ho 6:3 Mal 4:2 Mt 11:29 13:11,12 2Ti 3:7 and the: Jn 8:36 17:17 Ps 119:45 Isa 61:1 Ro 6:14-18,22 8:2,15 2Co 3:17,18 Ga 5:13 2Ti 2:25,26 Jas 1:25 2:12 1Pe 2:16 John 8 - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Engraving at University of Texas THE FRUIT OF ABIDING IN JESUS' WORD Universities (like University of Texas) proudly display this verse but sadly have completely removed it from its context and so it loses Jesus' original meaning. So much for honesty and integrity in much of what is called higher education. ESV Study Bible (borrow) - This verse shows that continuing to trust Jesus and obey him is one test of who are truly my disciples. This verse is frequently quoted out of context, but the connection with v. 31 shows that Jesus is only talking about one way to know the truth, and that is by continuing to believe and obey his word. And you will know (ginosko) the truth (aletheia), and the truth (aletheia) will make you free (eleutheroo) - Note the verse does not begin with "you" but with "and" (kai = first word in Greek sentence) which is of critical significance if one seeks the truth about this verse about truth! Clearly John couples his widely quoted statement to the seldom quoted statement in John 8:31 specifically His clear declaration that "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine." In the light of this context, now we understand that His statement about truth and truth making one free is only true if the preceding condition is fulfilled. And what is that condition that must be met? Continuance in His Word. Living at home (so to speak) with the Word of God (and the God of the Word)! God is truth. Jesus is truth. Their word is truth. It follows logically that the way sinful, fallen beings come to even know the truth is by knowing what God said in the Bible. And not just knowing it intellectually, but allowing it to order one's steps, walking by the power of the Spirit in obedience to the truth one learns. To learn the truth and claim to know it and yet to not obey it is the essence of a modern day Pharisee. It is the essence of arrogant self-deception. This person will not truly know the truth. And as a consequence, like the Pharisees in Jesus' day, this person will not be set free by the truth of God's Word. You will know (ginosko) speaks of experiential knowledge. Jesus says you will have a personal relationship with the truth, so that it is not just knowledge that makes your head big, but knowledge that makes you heart big and more in love with Jesus. Spurgeon on know the truth, and the truth shall make you free - That is the result of being a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. With Christ, who is the truth, to be our Teacher, and the Holy Spirit to bless his words, we come to know the truth; and the operation of the truth upon the heart is to deliver us from the bondage of sin and of error. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) Reformation Study Bible - you will know the truth. Holding to the teaching of Christ who is the truth (Jn 14:6) leads one to the truth that sets a person free from slavery to sin. Salvation is not obtained by intellectual knowledge as the Gnostics imagined, but by a vital relationship with Jesus Christ and a commitment to the truth He revealed (Jn 18:37). Adam
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Spurgeon - What a falsehood this was of theirs! They were at that very time in bondage to the Romans; they had been subdued and conquered: and, a little while after, they themselves confessed that they had no king but Cesar. Men are not very chary about telling falsehoods when they wish to resist Christ: they will do anything rather than believe on him. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) Colin Kruse - These people who ‘put their faith in him’ were not true disciples, for straightaway they rejected what Jesus said! (Borrow The Gospel According to John) David
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Spurgeon - He may be in the house, and have slender privileges for a time, but these soon go away......A servant may be dismissed from the household, but a son may not. If we were only servants of God, we might fall from grace, and perish; but if we are the sons of God, we never shall. If we ever did, in truth, call God “Father,” we shall always be able to use that blessed title, for the relationship of fatherhood is not a temporary one, and cannot come to an end. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) Edwin Blum - Just as Ishmael, Abraham's slave son, was cast out of the house (Gen. 21:8-21), so those in sin are in danger. Isaac was a son who belonged and therefore remained in the house. Were they like Ishmael, or Isaac? The issue was not physical genealogy but spiritual kinship. (See Bible Knowledge Commentary - Page 305) J
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Spurgeon - If He sets you free from sin, you will never go back to its slavery again. There is no emancipation like that which Jesus brings, for it is eternal; when He snaps the fetter, He sets the believer free for ever.....If you have the freedom of sonship, you are free indeed. There are none so free in our Father’s house as his children are.....And give you the privileges of sons. (ED: REMEMBER THOUGH, THAT THIS ALL BEGINS WITH US ABIDING OR REMAINING IN HIS WORD OF TRUTH AND IT IS THAT WORD OF TRUTH USED BY THE TRANSFORMING SPIRIT OF TRUTH [2Cor 3:18+, cf Jn 16:13] WHICH TRULY SETS US FREE. ) (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) THOUGHT - Beloved of Christ and God (1Th 1:4+), if you are in need of revival, read Ps 119:25+. How will God's Spirit give you revival? To experience REVIVAL, we must "RE-BIBLE!" Mounce - True freedom is not the option of doing whatever you might want to do, but the privilege of opting to do what is right. Jesus is the Son who opens the door to real freedom. So “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Note that in Jn 8:32 it was the “truth” that sets a person free; here it is the Son. The Son is that truth which releases the sinner from the bondage of sin. He not only speaks the truth; He is the truth (Jn 14:6+, Jn 1:14b+, Rev 19:11+). (See The Expositor's Bible Commentary) R Kent
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Spurgeon - If you are free, then remember that you have changed your lodging-place, for the slave and the son sleep not in the same room of the house. The things which satisfied you when a slave will not satisfy you now. You wear a garment which a slave may never wear, and you feel an instinct within you which the slave can never feel. There is an Abba, Father cry in you, which was not there once. Is it so? If you are free you live not as you used to do. You go not to the slave’s work, you have not now to toil and sweat to earn the wages of sin which is death, but now as a son serves his father, you do a son’s work and you expect to receive a son’s reward, for the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. One thing I know, if you are free, then you are thinking about setting others free; and if you have no zeal for the emancipation of other men, you are a slave yourself. If you are free you hate all sorts of chains, all sorts of sin, and you will never willingly put on the fetters any more. You live each day, crying unto him who made you free at first, to hold you up that you fall not into the snare. If you are free, this is not the world for you; this is the land of slaves; this is the world of bondage. If you are free, your heart has gone to heaven, the land of the free. If you are free today, your spirit is longing for the time when you shall see the great liberator face to face. If you are free, you will bide your time until he calls you; but when he says, ‘Friend, come up hither,’ you will fearlessly mount to the upper spheres, and sin shall be no hindrance to your advent to his glory. N.B. Spurgeon began this sermon by referring to the visit of Garibaldi, the Italian patriot and liberator, to England (3–27 April 1864). (The Great Liberator) Born Free - Joe Stowell “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 I remember one commute when I ended up following a busted-up pickup truck that sported a bumper sticker proudly announcing, BORN FREE. As I thought about the announcement on the bumper, it seemed to me that whoever was sitting behind the wheel was speaking for a lot of us. For some strange reason, we feel that personal freedom is a birthright. As Eric Clapton sings, “I was born with a raging thirst . . . a hunger to be free!” And it’s that hunger that fires up the celebration of our own independence and the crowning of “me” as final authority. But not all hunger is good hunger. Our hunger to be free is why we end up, as Clapton admits, down so many dead-end streets, lonely and disappointed. Think for a minute about people who are addicted to things like drugs, alcohol, or pornography. If you asked how they ended up in bondage to their desires, they would tell you that it started as a need to be free to do whatever they wanted to do. Don’t miss the point: If all we have is the right to be free, then our thirst for freedom may end up making us slaves. Beware! A life guided by the “I’ll-do-whatever-I-want-to-do” formula inevitably ends up not being free at all. Left to ourselves, we make a lot of lame choices that end up leaving us in the chains of regret, guilt, and brokenness. But that doesn’t mean we’re not supposed to be free. The great news is that God wants us to be free. It’s just a matter of how and where we can find true freedom. Becoming free starts with deleting the thought that you and I are born to be free. The reality is that we are born sinners already in the grip of Satan, the cruel master of our souls. David admits, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me” (Psalm 51:5). And Paul adds that before we came to Christ we were “slaves to sin” (Romans 6:17). So we need to get it right. We were born slaves of sin. In order to be free, we need someone to overthrow the regime that enslaves us. That’s exactly why Jesus came. He came to set us—the captives—free! Jesus Himself said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). He taught us that freedom is not an inherent right of birth after all but rather the result of obeying the truth: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). In one sense, we are born to be free—born again to be free. And that freedom is experienced when we commit our lives to living by God’s truth and following the guidance of Jesus. When we forgive, as He has taught us, we are free from the bondage of bitterness and free to move into the future instead of being stuck in the past. When we manage our relationships according to God’s Word, we are free from the regrets and brokenness that comes from using others instead of serving others. When we let Jesus direct our desires and passions, we are free from the bondage of guilt and addiction. His truth is the path to true freedom. There is a great hymn that proclaims, “My chains fell off, my heart was free! I rose, went forth, and followed Thee!” Jesus died to set you free. Those who follow Him are free indeed! YOUR JOURNEY… In what ways do you feel enslaved today? Describe how it feels to be a slave to your sin. Can you identify some specific emotions, fears, or actions that have you in bondage? How do those things keep you from experiencing a life of genuine freedom in Christ? Take time this week to read through Romans chapters 6–8. Ask the Lord to use this passage to bring freedom and release from the things that bind you. Choose one teaching of Jesus you can apply to your life to help you experience freedom in Him. Real Freedom If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. — John 8:36 Today's Scripture: John 8:30-36 I can’t stand the television talk shows in which the participants use vulgar language and describe in sickening detail their immoral activities. Those who shamelessly discuss their sins in public obviously think of themselves as liberated persons because they dare to flaunt their immorality. But what a strange kind of freedom! Little do they know how enslaved they really are. I was reminded of this by a man who was overweight and wheezing heavily. He said, “No one, not even my doctor, is going to take away my freedom to smoke or to eat what I want to eat.” His “freedom” soon killed him. Another man told me he had left his wife so he could be free to live as he pleased. Years later he was a physical and emotional wreck. He admitted that he had become a slave to practices that were killing him, but he didn’t change his ways. Within a few years he died. The idea that we can have true freedom without restraint or discipline is an illusion. Doing what we please without seeking to do God’s will brings slavery to sin and leads to death. But trusting and obeying Jesus Christ gives freedom from guilt, from bondage to sin, from feelings of futility, and from the fear of death. That’s real freedom! By: Herbert Vander Lugt When lured by worldly pleasures here, Some Christians go astray; And if they do not soon repent, Sin's dreadful price they'll pay. —Anon. To be under Christ's control is to have true freedom. John 8:37 "I know that you are Abraham's descendants; yet you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. BGT John 8:37 Οἶδα ὅτι σπέρμα Ἀβραάμ ἐστε· ἀλλὰ ζητεῖτέ με ἀποκτεῖναι, ὅτι ὁ λόγος ὁ ἐμὸς οὐ χωρεῖ ἐν ὑμῖν. KJV John 8:37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. NET John 8:37 I know that you are Abraham's descendants. But you want to kill me, because my teaching makes no progress among you. CSB John 8:37 I know you are descendants of Abraham, but you are trying to kill Me because My word is not welcome among you. ESV John 8:37 I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. NIV John 8:37 I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word. NLT John 8:37 Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because there's no room in your hearts for my message. NRS John 8:37 I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word. NJB John 8:37 I know that you are descended from Abraham; but you want to kill me because my word finds no place in you. NAB John 8:37 I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you. YLT John 8:37 'I have known that ye are seed of Abraham, but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you; GWN John 8:37 I know that you're Abraham's descendants. However, you want to kill me because you don't like what I'm saying. BBE John 8:37 I am conscious that you are Abraham's seed; but you have a desire to put me to death because my word has no place in you. RSV John 8:37 I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me, because my word finds no place in you. NKJ John 8:37 "I know that you are Abraham's descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. ASV John 8:37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed: yet ye seek to kill me, because my word hath not free course in you. MIT John 8:37 I know you are Abraham's seed. But you have a mindset to murder me because my message does not meet with your approval. DBY John 8:37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word has no entrance in you. NIRV John 8:37 "I know you are Abraham's children. But you are ready to kill me. You have no room for my word. know: Jn 8:33 Ac 13:26 Ro 9:7 yet: Jn 8:6,40,59 Jn 5:16-18 Jn 7:1,19,25 10:31 11:53 because: Jn 8:43,45-47 5:44 12:39-43 Mt 13:15,19-22 1Co 2:14 John 8 - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: John 5:16-18 For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.” 18 For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God. John 7:1 After these things Jesus was walking in Galilee, for He was unwilling to walk in Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill Him. John 7:19 “Did not Moses give you the Law, and yet none of you carries out the Law? Why do you seek to kill Me? 20 The crowd answered, “You have a demon! Who seeks to kill You?” John 7:25 So some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, “Is this not the man whom they are seeking to kill? John 7:30 So they were seeking to seize Him; and no man laid his hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. John 7:32 The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about Him, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to seize Him. John 8:20 These words He spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one seized Him, because His hour had not yet come. John 11:53 So from that day on they planned together to kill Him. Romans 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. 29 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God. Romans 4:12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised. (WHAT STEPS OF ABRAHAM? Genesis 15:6+ "steps"!) Romans 9:6-8 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel (JACOB); 7 nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants, but: “THROUGH ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS WILL BE NAMED.” 8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God (THAT IS, THOSE WHO ARE MERELY BIOLOGICALLY DESCENDED FROM ABRAHAM), but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants (THAT IS THOSE DESCENDANTS OF ABRAHAM WHO SHARED THE FAITH HE EXPRESSED IN Genesis 15:6+). ABRAHAM'S PHYSICAL SEED FOUND NO PLACE FOR JESUS' WORD Why does Jesus bring up Abraham at this juncture? The answer is because that was the name they had brought up in Jn 8:33. So He now returns to the subject of Abrahah for He is well aware that Jews believed in the fact given that they were physically related to Abraham automatically ensured that they were spiritually right with God. Jesus is going to correct that misunderstanding in this next section. I know (eido) that you are Abraham's descendants - Jesus continues to address the same group as in Jn 8:30-31. Jesus picks back up on their statement in John 8:33 that “We are Abraham’s descendants affirms their lineage." He acknowledges that they (and all Jews) are natural, physical descendants of Abraham. He will go on to show that unfortunately these so-called believers are not spiritual descendants of Abraham the believer (Ge 15:6, cf Ro 2:28-29, Ro 4:12 Ro 9:6-8 Gal 3:6-14). Spurgeon - Jesus had admitted that, as a matter of temporal descent; but he denied it as a matter of real fact (spiritually). Men always act according to their natures. We shall find the polluted fountain sending forth filthy streams. We do not expect to hear sweet singing from a serpent, nor, on the other hand, do we expect hissing from the bird, but every creature is after its own kind. Christ, coming from the Father, reveals God: ungodly men, coming from the devil, reveal the devil. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John)
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Spurgeon - It is a common characteristic of children to tell what they see; what they witness at home, they are sure to tell abroad. If you are a child of God, you will act and speak like your Father does; and if you are a child of the devil, you will act and speak like him. Our parentage may be discovered by our acts and our words: “I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.” (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) Therefore (as for you) you also (present tense - continually) do the things which you heard from your father - What one does or how one behaves gives evidence of the one they follow, in this context, God or the devil. Their actions proved it was the latter! This statement would soon arouse their ire, for Jesus is now focusing on their father, but not the father they had in mind! As
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Spurgeon - The real descendants of “the father of the faithful” are themselves faithful; that is, believers. The father of believers has believers for his children: “If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.” Our Lord had admitted that these Jews were Abraham’s seed according to the flesh; but he proved that they were not Abraham’s seed in the high and spiritual sense, since they were not like him whom they claimed for a father. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) There are spiritually speaking only two families on earth - (1) spiritual children of God (in Christ) and sons of the kingdom through faith in His Son or (2) spiritual children of Satan, (in Adam, subject to the rule of Satan and Sin, influenced by the World system controlled by Satan). Jesus is getting ready to shock them regarding their spiritual lineage. TECHNICAL NOTE - The NET rendering is very strange "as for you, practice the things you have heard from the Father!" (Jn 8:38NET) Regardless of the manuscript issues that lead them to favor this translation, this would suggest they are being obedient to God the Father, but the context does not at all suggest that. One might say "practice" is a command to obey I can find no other translation that follows the pattern of the NET rendering. John 8:39 They answered and said to Him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you are Abraham's children, do the deeds of Abraham. BGT John 8:39 ἀπεκρίθησαν καὶ εἶπαν αὐτῷ· ὁ πατὴρ ἡμῶν Ἀβραάμ ἐστιν. λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· εἰ τέκνα τοῦ Ἀβραάμ ἐστε, τὰ ἔργα τοῦ Ἀβραὰμ ἐποιεῖτε· KJV John 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. NET John 8:39 They answered him, "Abraham is our father!" Jesus replied, "If you are Abraham's children, you would be doing the deeds of Abraham. CSB John 8:39 "Our father is Abraham!" they replied. "If you were Abraham's children," Jesus told them, "you would do what Abraham did. ESV John 8:39 They answered him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, NIV John 8:39 "Abraham is our father," they answered. "If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did. NLT John 8:39 "Our father is Abraham!" they declared."No," Jesus replied, "for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example. NRS John 8:39 They answered him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing what Abraham did, NJB John 8:39 They repeated, 'Our father is Abraham.' Jesus said to them: If you are Abraham's children, do as Abraham did. NAB John 8:39 They answered and said to him, "Our father is Abraham." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works of Abraham. YLT John 8:39 They answered and said to him, 'Our father is Abraham;' Jesus saith to them, 'If children of Abraham ye were, the works of Abraham ye were doing; GWN John 8:39 The Jews replied to Jesus, "Abraham is our father." Jesus told them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do what Abraham did. BBE John 8:39 In answer they said to him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus said to them, If you were Abraham's children you would do what Abraham did. RSV John 8:39 They answered him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do what Abraham did, NKJ John 8:39 They answered and said to Him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham. ASV John 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. MIT John 8:39 They replied to him, "Our father is Abraham!" Jesus said to them, "If you are Abraham's offspring, act as would Abraham. DBY John 8:39 They answered and said to him, Abraham is our father. Jesus says to them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham; NIRV John 8:39 "Abraham is our father," they answered. Jesus said, "Are you really Abraham's children? If you are, you will do the things Abraham did. Abraham: Jn 8:33 If: Jn 8:37 Mt 3:9 5:45 Ro 2:28-29 4:12,16 9:7 Ga 3:7,29 Jas 2:22-24 John 8 - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JEWS AGAIN CLAIM PATERNITY THROUGH ABRAHAM They answered and said to Him, "Abraham is our father." - They repeat what they had declared in John 8:33 when "They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants." And so they react immediately to Jesus' mention of "your father," not knowing He is not referring to Abraham as they will soon discover! They are still thinking of their physical lineage which they falsely believed conveyed spiritual benefits. Jesus said to them, "If you are Abraham's children, do the deeds of Abraham - Jesus confronts them with the principle that deeds not words would demonstrate who is truly one's spiritual father. Jesus is painting them in a corner! The most important "deed" they could do of course was to believe like Abraham, for "he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness." (Ge 15:6+). Sadly they had believed in Jn 8:30 with a belief that was not genuine as their subsequent argumentative and even antagonistic responses to Jesus were clearly proving. Recall that Jesus had told them the test of a true disciple/believer was to continue in His Word (Jn 8:31+). In effect, they have already failed His test because instead of continuing in His Word, they are challenging His word! By their very words (and soon by their actions Jn 8:59+) they are proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were never genuine believers! The MacArthur Study Bible (borrow) - Just as children inherit genetic characteristics from their parents, so also those who are truly Abraham's offspring will act like Abraham, i.e., imitate Abraham's faith and obedience (see Ro 4:16; Gal 3:6-9; Heb 11:8-19; Jas 2:21-24). . Abraham's faith was demonstrated through his obedience to God (Jas 2:21-24). Jesus' point was that the conduct of the unbelieving Jews was diametrically opposed by the conduct of Abraham, who lived a life of obedience to all that God had commanded. Their conduct toward Jesus demonstrated that their real father was Satan (vv. 41, 44). Steven
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Spurgeon - “That is, if you were the true spiritual children of faithful Abraham, you would act as he did.” (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) A T Robertson on If you are - Strictly, “if ye are” as ye claim, a condition of the first class assumed to be true. The father of all unbelievers is the devil. -- Charles Ryrie Ryrie - The Jews were the natural descendants of Abraham (Jn 8:33, 37) but, because of their unbelief, not all were spiritual descendants. The father of all unbelievers is the devil (Jn 8:44; see also Eph. 2:2-3; 1 John 3:8-10). John 8:40 "But as it is, you are seeking to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God; this Abraham did not do. BGT John 8:40 νῦν δὲ ζητεῖτέ με ἀποκτεῖναι ἄνθρωπον ὃς τὴν ἀλήθειαν ὑμῖν λελάληκα ἣν ἤκουσα παρὰ τοῦ θεοῦ· τοῦτο Ἀβραὰμ οὐκ ἐποίησεν. KJV John 8:40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. NET John 8:40 But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth I heard from God. Abraham did not do this! CSB John 8:40 But now you are trying to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do this! ESV John 8:40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. NIV John 8:40 As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. NLT John 8:40 Instead, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. NRS John 8:40 but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. NJB John 8:40 As it is, you want to kill me, a man who has told you the truth as I have learnt it from God; that is not what Abraham did. NAB John 8:40 But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God; Abraham did not do this. YLT John 8:40 and now, ye seek to kill me -- a man who hath spoken to you the truth I heard from God; this Abraham did not; GWN John 8:40 I am a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. But now you want to kill me. Abraham wouldn't have done that. BBE John 8:40 But now you have a desire to put me to death, a man who has said to you what is true, as I had it from God: Abraham did not do that. RSV John 8:40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God; this is not what Abraham did. NKJ John 8:40 "But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. ASV John 8:40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I heard from God: this did not Abraham. MIT John 8:40 Right now you are attempting to murder me—a man who has spoken the truth to you that I heard in contact with God. That is not the kind of action reminiscent of Abraham. But as it is: Jn 8:37 Ps 37:12,32 Ga 4:16,29 1Jn 3:12-15 Rev 12:4,12,13,17 a man: Jn 8:26,38,56 this: Ro 4:12 John 8 - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries BEHAVIOR OF JEWS CONTRASTED WITH "FATHER ABRAHAM" But - Term of contrast. Jesus will now contrast their deeds with their physical father's deeds. Clearly they are not doing the works of Abraham.
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Spurgeon - He had not told them who that father was; but as it is a standing rule that men do the deeds of their father, the genuineness of the descent which they claimed could be tested by their likeness to their father. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) They said to Him, "We were not born (gennao) of fornication (porneia) - It is axiomatic that conviction brings conflict from those convicted of their sin if they refuse to repent! False believers do not let God’s Word confront their sins (Jn 3:19–21+). And so the Jews became infuriated and declared 'We are not illegitimate children’ They still do not have a clue that Jesus is speaking about their spiritual father, not their physical bloodline from Abraham. There retort may have been a derogatory reference to Jesus' virgin birth, the implication being He had been born of fornication (illegitimate). The idea would be were were born of a legitimate father Abraham, but your birth was illegitimate! True believers allow the light of God’s Word to expose their sins so that they can turn from them and grow in holiness. -- Steven Cole David Thompson - “We were not born of fornication.” They are actually implying that Jesus was born because of an immoral relationship between Joseph and Mary. This verse changed the life of one of the great Bible teachers. He said he used to believe that it was possible for a person to be saved and not believe in the virgin birth. He said - I do not believe that anymore. If a person is really right with God, he will embrace all truth about Jesus Christ. Steven
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Spurgeon - You would see in me a brother; you would perceive in me the attributes of God, and, being made like unto God as his sons, would, love the Godhead in me....Any man who is born of God must love Jesus Christ. The purity of his motives, the loveliness of his character, the charms of his person, would all be sure to win the heart of a man who was truly born of God. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) The MacArthur Study Bible (borrow) - Although the OT calls Israel His "firstborn son" (Ex 4:22) and affirms that God is Israel's father by creation and separation (Jer 31:9), the unbelief of the Jews toward Jesus demonstrated that God was not their Father spiritually. Jesus stressed that the explicit criterion verifying the claim to be a child of God is love for His Son, Jesus. Since God is love, those who love His Son also demonstrate His nature (1Jn 4:7-11; 5:1). Steven
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Spurgeon - If any man has a right idea of God, and really loves God, if he will study the character of Christ, he will see that Christ is the very image of God in human flesh (Heb 1:3), and he will fall in love with Christ. That result is inevitable. Men form wrong ideas of God; and then, when they read the life of Christ, they see no likeness between the Christ and their conception of God; nor is there any. But if they would take their idea of God from God’s own Word, then they would see that, in the person of the Man of Nazareth, the Divine character truly shines out, but it is toned down so as to meet the human eye without the excessive glare that would blind it. But it is the same Light of Light, the same Love of Love, the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, “for in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily,” he is the express image of God, and he who truly knows God will know that Christ also is God, for Father and Son are one. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) A T
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Spurgeon - Love to Christ is the test of sonship. Certain modern teachers have asserted that God is the Father of all mankind, and the doctrine of Universal Fatherhood (see his sermon Universal Fatherhood—A Lie) is, I am told, exceedingly prevalent in certain quarters. That God is the Creator of all men, and that in this sense men are the offspring of God, is undoubtedly true, but that unregenerate men are the sons of God is undoubtedly false. How that flesh-pleasing doctrine can be supported I do not know, for certainly my text gives it no assistance whatever, but rather strikes it a deadly blow. ‘If God were your Father, ye would love me’; consequently God is not the Father of those who do not love Christ. What do these teachers make out of the privilege of adoption? Why are men adopted if children by nature? How is it that it is a special promise, ‘I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters’? What need is there of a promise of that which they have already? ‘But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.’ What does that mean if everybody is already a child of God? How do they understand that God ‘hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ’? Were we sons already? How were we ‘by nature the children of wrath, even as others’, if all men are in the family of God? They make use of an expression which bears two renderings to set up a theory which is destructive of the gospel. I leave those to defend that statement who care to do so; I believe it to be altogether untenable if we keep to the word of God. The Fatherhood of God is to a special people, ‘chosen … before the foundation of the world’, and adopted and regenerated in due time through his grace. (John 8:42 Love to Jesus the Great Test) John 8:43 "Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. Amplified - Why do you misunderstand what I say? It is because you are unable to hear what I am saying. [You cannot bear to listen to My message; your ears are shut to My teaching.] BGT John 8:43 διὰ τί τὴν λαλιὰν τὴν ἐμὴν οὐ γινώσκετε; ὅτι οὐ δύνασθε ἀκούειν τὸν λόγον τὸν ἐμόν. KJV John 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. NET John 8:43 Why don't you understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot accept my teaching. CSB John 8:43 Why don't you understand what I say? Because you cannot listen to My word. ESV John 8:43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. NIV John 8:43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. NLT John 8:43 Why can't you understand what I am saying? It's because you can't even hear me! NRS John 8:43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot accept my word. NJB John 8:43 Why do you not understand what I say? Because you cannot bear to listen to my words. NAB John 8:43 Why do you not understand what I am saying? Because you cannot bear to hear my word. YLT John 8:43 wherefore do ye not know my speech? because ye are not able to hear my word. GWN John 8:43 Why don't you understand the language I use? Is it because you can't understand the words I use? BBE John 8:43 Why are my words not clear to you? It is because your ears are shut to my teaching. RSV John 8:43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. NKJ John 8:43 "Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. ASV John 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? Even because ye cannot hear my word. MIT John 8:43 Why do you not understand my assertions? The reason lies in your inability to obey my message. do: Jn 8:27 5:43 7:17 12:39,40 Pr 28:5 Isa 44:18 Ho 14:9 Mic 4:12 Ro 3:11 cannot: Jn 6:60 Isa 6:9 Jer 6:10 Ac 7:51 Ro 8:7,8 John 8 - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 1 Corinthians 2:14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. HEARING BUT NOT UNDERSTANDING Why do you not understand (ginosko) what I am saying? This is somewhat of a rhetorical question to draw their attention, for Jesus does not wait for them to answer. Only a person who is "right" with God, can understand the Bible. Notice also how this (ability to understand the Bible) serves as evidence that a person is a genuine believer and how it dovetails with Jesus' statement that continuing in His Word is the mark of a genuine disciple/believer. Spurgeon - “You are dull of comprehension, you are hardened in heart, you are proud in spirit, you are just the opposite of everything that is good, and therefore you cannot hear my word,” saith Christ; “and this is proof positive that you do not love God, and that you are not the children of God.” (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) ESV Study Bible (borrow) Throughout this Gospel many people misunderstand Jesus and his teaching. Here he gives the reason: it is because you cannot bear (or, “you are not able,” Gk. dynamai) to hear my word, where “hear” should be taken in the sense of “hear and receive,” or “hear and accept.” It is because you (absolutely) cannot (dunamai) hear (akouo) My word (logos) - Note that Jesus does not say they "do not hear" but that they "cannot hear." You say what is the difference? The first hearing reflects audibly hearing, which they are able to do. The second hearing reflects one's ears being stopped up to supernatural, spiritual truth! The Greek verb dunamai with a negative prefix ("cannot") means they have no ability to hear spiritual truth! The Jews suffer (like all men still in Adam) from "congenital" spiritual deafness! Spiritual truth is spiritually discerned and these professed believers could not hear because they were not believers. So not only could they not continue in His Word (Jn 8:31), they could not even hear His Word (in the sense of listening and responding to it or obeying it)! As alluded, of course they heard the "sound waves" of Jesus' words, but they did not accept or receive them. It was as if Jesus was speaking on the "Spiritual FM" band and they were tuned in to the "Natural AM" station. Paul made it clear that "a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he (absolutely) cannot (dunamai) understand (ginosko) them, because they are spiritually appraised.." (1Cor 2:14+) These Jews were false disciples/believers like those in John 6:60+ "Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen (akouo) to it?” The result of not abiding in His Word was that "many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore." (Jn 6:66+) Bob
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Spurgeon comments on John 8:43-47 - What a wonderful character was the character of Christ! We get a strange light cast upon it as we read this dialogue in which he endured such contradiction of sinners against himself. My brethren, in Christ there is all the tenderness of a woman; but do not think that he is effeminate, far from it. What masculine force, what vigor what power, there is in him! There are some people who, if we speak plainly against error, tell us that we are uncharitable, and that we have not the spirit of Christ. Is it so? Did there ever fall from any lips more burning words than those which we find here, when he is brought into conflict with his foes? The fact is, he is meek and lowly, but he is most courageous; he is genial and kind, but he is honest and true. He speaks with suavity and gentleness; but, at the same time, there is great force about every expression that he uses. He does not mince matters when he is dealing with sin. There is no velvet on his lips; he utters no honeyed phrases. Naked truth flashes, like a scimitar from its scabbard, when he has to deal with those who oppose the truth. “Because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) Communication Skills Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. — John 8:43 Today's Scripture: John 8:30-47 Communication—everybody’s discussing it, studying it, practicing it. Yet, despite our improved communication skills, we may feel like the author who wrote, “I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.” Good communication involves more than good speaking; it also requires good listening. Jesus, the master communicator, was often misunderstood, as we see in today’s Scripture. Although He spoke the truth clearly, His hearers jumbled up His message and then rejected it. “Why do you not understand My speech?” He quizzed them. Answering His own question, He replied, “Because you are not able to listen to My word” (Jn. 8:43). Why were they such poor listeners? Not because Jesus failed to communicate, but because they didn’t want to hear the truth. And why didn’t they? Because it made them face up to their need to change. When we say, “God is getting through to me,” it’s not because He’s communicating better but because we’re hearing and willing to change. Let’s always make listening to God one of our best communication skills. By: Joanie Yoder Hearing God each time He calls Means fellowship divine; Listen for His message clear And say, "God's will be mine." —JDB It's hard to tune in on heaven's message if our lives are full of earthly static. John 8:44 "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. AMP You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. 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 falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false. LBP For you are the children of your father the devil and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning and a hater of truth—there is not an iota of truth in him. When he lies, it is perfectly normal; for he is the father of liars. BGT John 8:44 ὑμεῖς ἐκ τοῦ πατρὸς τοῦ διαβόλου ἐστὲ καὶ τὰς ἐπιθυμίας τοῦ πατρὸς ὑμῶν θέλετε ποιεῖν. ἐκεῖνος ἀνθρωποκτόνος ἦν ἀπ᾽ ἀρχῆς καὶ ἐν τῇ ἀληθείᾳ οὐκ ἔστηκεν, ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν ἀλήθεια ἐν αὐτῷ. ὅταν λαλῇ τὸ ψεῦδος, ἐκ τῶν ἰδίων λαλεῖ, ὅτι ψεύστης ἐστὶν καὶ ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ. KJV 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. NET John 8:44 You people are from your father the devil, and you want to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies. CSB John 8:44 You are of your father the Devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of liars. ESV John 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. NIV John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. NLT John 8:44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. NRS John 8:44 You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. NJB John 8:44 You are from your father, the devil, and you prefer to do what your father wants. He was a murderer from the start; he was never grounded in the truth; there is no truth in him at all. When he lies he is speaking true to his nature, because he is a liar, and the father of lies. NAB John 8:44 You belong to your father the devil and you willingly carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks in character, because he is a liar and the father of lies. YLT John 8:44 'Ye are of a father -- the devil, and the desires of your father ye will to do; he was a man-slayer from the beginning, and in the truth he hath not stood, because there is no truth in him; when one may speak the falsehood, of his own he speaketh, because he is a liar -- also his father. GWN John 8:44 You come from your father, the devil, and you desire to do what your father wants you to do. The devil was a murderer from the beginning. He has never been truthful. He doesn't know what the truth is. Whenever he tells a lie, he's doing what comes naturally to him. He's a liar and the father of lies. BBE John 8:44 You are the children of your father the Evil One and it is your pleasure to do his desires. From the first he was a taker of life; and he did not go in the true way because there is no true thing in him. When he says what is false, it is natural to him, for he is false and the father of what is false. RSV John 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. NKJ John 8:44 "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 the father of it. ASV John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth 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 thereof. MIT John 8:44 You descended from your diabolical father, and your father's cravings you want to carry out. He was a killer of human beings from the beginning. He has no standing in the truth because no truth inheres in him. When he speaks deception, he expresses his own traits in that he is a liar—the founder of falsehood. DBY John 8:44 Ye are of the devil, as your father, and ye desire to do the lusts of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks falsehood, he speaks of what is his own; for he is a liar and its father: NIRV John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil. You want to obey your father's wishes. "From the beginning, the devil was a murderer. He has never obeyed the truth. There is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his natural language. He does this because he is a liar. He is the father of lies. You are of your father the devil: Jn 8:38,41 6:70 Ge 3:15 Mt 13:38 Ac 13:10 1Jn 3:8-10,12 He was a murderer: Ge 3:3-7 1Ki 22:22 1Ch 21:1 Jas 4:1-7 1Pe 5:8 Rev 2:10 9:11 Rev 13:6-8 20:7-9 and does not stand in the truth: 2Pe 2:4 Jude 1:6 Whenever he speaks a lie: Ge 3:4,5 2Ch 18:20-22 Job 1:11 2:4-6 Ac 5:3 13:10 2Co 11:3 2Co 11:13-15 2Th 2:9-11 Rev 12:9 13:14 20:2,3,10 21:8 22:15 John 8 - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Matthew 13:38; and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one; Matthew 23:15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves. 1 John 3:8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Titus 1:16 They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed. LIKE FATHER LIKE SON SONS OF THE DEVIL You are of your father the devil (diabolos) - Like father, like son. A chip off the old block. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree! Sons generally manifest their father's characteristics. Their hostility to Jesus and desire to kill Him was in keeping with that of their father the devil! Jesus is not "name calling" but speaking the truth, truth which undoubtedly would infuriate His audience. While the Jews are physically from the lineage of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, spiritually they are of the devil unless they are born again. Jesus is clearly saying these "believers" (Jn 8:30+) are not born again! And so Jesus' words would have fallen like a verbal bomb on the ears of the Jews. It is notable that while they did not have spiritual receptivity for most to the truth Jesus spoke, they did not what Jesus was intimating with this declaration! Jesus is saying to these Jews who were professed believers that their spiritual father was the devil, not Abraham. Spurgeon - Christ doth not speak very gentle words at all times. A deeply-rooted disease needs a sharp medicine, and he gives it. He uses the knife sometimes, and if there be a deadly ulcer that must be cut away, he knoweth how to do it with all the sternness of which his loving heart is capable. The first murder was committed by his suggestion. Cain was guilty of it, but Satan instigated it. He hath ever been a man-killer, and so Christ says that inasmuch as they sought to kill him, they were worthy sons of their parent. “There is no truth in him.” (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) Those who are unsaved are called children of the devil for as John explains By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not (present tense - continually as the habit or direction of their life) practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother. (1John 3:10+). As
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Spurgeon - Remember from whose lips these words fell, even from the lips of the gentle Jesus. Honest speech is the surest token of a loving heart; but, nowadays, if a man preaches the truth plainly and faithfully, men say that he is hard and unkind; but if a man glosses over the truth, and alters it according to his own idea of what will please men, then they say, “He is a kindly-disposed and large-hearted man.” I should be disposed to doubt whether he has any heart at all, if he will sooner see sinners damned than offend them by proclaiming the truth. I thank God that some of us care little about offending those who offend God. If men will not yield themselves unto the Lord, we want not their friendship, but we will strive to make them uneasy in their rebellion, and if they resolve to be lost, we will at least be clear of their blood.....Falsehood is his natural element. When Satan deceives, he only acts according to his nature, which is blackened with falsehood through and through. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) Whenever he speaks a lie (pseustes), he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar (pseustes) and the father of lies - Lies come natural to the devil and his children, for the Jews were also liars (Jn 8:55+)! The logical fruit of the devil in which there is no truth is that he speaks from his very essence, which is that he is a liar and the father of lies. He is the father of lies because in Genesis 3 he spoke the first lie telling Eve “You surely will not die” (Genesis 3:4+), which duped her into partaking of the forbidden fruit along with Adam thereby plunging the entire world into sin and death. Satan will flood you with truth to float one lie! One of Satan’s most effective tactics down through the ages has been deception. He is a master at making things appear what they are not. A mixture of truth and error seems to serve his purposes much better than total error. Donald Grey Barnhouse illustrated this forcefully with the following story: “Duveen, the famous English art connoisseur, took his little daughter to the beach one day, but could not get her to go into the chilly water. After persuasion failed, he borrowed a tea kettle, built a fire, and heated a little water until it steamed beautifully. With much flourish, he poured it into the ocean. Greatly impressed, his daughter went in without a murmur.” Barnhouse then made this application: Satan “dilutes an ocean of unbelief with a steaming tea kettle of Christian ethics, and people go wading in, self-satisfied, but unaware that they are bathing in unbelief.” The adversary is delighted when a person turns over a new leaf or engages in good works, just as long as he continues to reject the provision of God’s grace in salvation. Somehow the sinner completely ignores the fatal error or not trusting Christ because his life as been tempered with a teakettle of wholesome resolves. Our Lord’s words are very clear: “...he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (Jn 3:18). Don’t be deceived by Satan’s clever ploy. You cannot dilute an ocean of cold unbelief with a little warm water of religiosity or good human endeavor. The devil in his subtle way Will chloroform your soul, If you don’t quickly turn to Christ, Whose blood can make you whole. - Lyle Henry
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Spurgeon - Oh! matchless argument! Now were they silent indeed. His whole life was before them; he had not lived in secret and yet he could appeal to his whole life, from the first day even to this time, and say, “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” It is this that weakens our testimony for God that we are so imperfect and full of sin. Let us seek to imitate the Master, for the more clean we are from these imperfections, the more shall we be able to shut the mouths of our adversaries. Remember from whose lips these words (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) David Thompson - This verse proves the sinlessness of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ NEVER prayed for forgiveness about anything. You can know this - if these people could have got one sinful bit of evidence on Jesus Christ they would have. If they could have had one shred of evidence against Him, they would have used it. They already threw up their “born of fornication” lie (8:41). Christ stands publically and says - let any of you tell me how I have sinned or what I have done wrong. The MacArthur Study Bible (borrow) - Although the Jews argued that Jesus was guilty of sin (Jn 5:18), the sense here is that the perfect holiness of Christ was demonstrated, not by the Jews' silence at Jesus' question here, but by the assurance of His direct consciousness of the purity of His whole life. Only a perfectly holy One who has the closest and most intimate communion with the Father could speak such words. The Jews could martial no convincing evidence that could convict Him of sin in the heavenly court. Spurgeon in another note says "What a grand challenge! None of us can speak like that, except in a very modified sense; but Christ, standing before his enemies, who gnashed their teeth at him, and would have given their eyes to be able to fix come fault upon him, yet boldly says to them, “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” Bob
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Spurgeon - You know this form of answer; it is an old trick, when there is no case, abuse the plaintiff. So, when there is no answer to what Christ has said, call him a Samaritan, and say that he has a devil.....Always abuse your adversary if you cannot answer him: this is always the devil’s tactic. When he cannot overthrow religion, then he seeks to append opprobrious titles to those who profess it. It is an old and stale trick, and has lost much of its force. Our Saviour did not answer the accusation of his being a Samaritan, but inasmuch as what they said about his having a devil would touch his doctrine, he answered that. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John)
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Spurgeon - This statement quite staggered them; yet it is true. To believers,— It is not death to die; they simply pass out of this world into a larger and yet more glorious life. They descend not to death, but they rise to immortality. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) One is reminded of Jesus' words in John 5:24+ “Truly, truly (amen, amen), I say to you, he who hears My word (E.G., THE VERY WORDS HE IS SPEAKING TO THE JEWS HERE IN Jn 8: 51) , and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life." “Is this death? This is not bad; there is no valley. This is bliss. This is glorious.” -- D. L. Moody as he was dying He will (strong double negative - ou me - absolutely) never (aion) see (theoreo) death (thanatos) - Peterson paraphrases it "you’ll never have to look death in the face.” The meeting of the condition will result in that person never seeing death. Jesus is not saying they would never die physically, but that the believer's experience of physical death would be far different than that of unsaved persons. Spurgeon on never see death - Our face is turned away from death…The Greek is not fully interpreted by the word ‘see’ (theoreo): it is an intenser word. According to Westcott, the sight here mentioned is that of ‘a long, steady, exhaustive vision, whereby we become slowly acquainted with the nature of the object to which it is directed.’…While unforgiven, I cannot help gazing upon it, and foreseeing it as my doom. When the gospel of the Lord Jesus comes to my soul, and I keep his saying by faith, I am turned completely round. My back is upon death, and my face is towards life eternal.” (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John)
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Spurgeon - What glorious gospel brilliance Christ suddenly flashes upon these men! He promises even to them that, if they will keep his saying, they shall live for ever, they shall be partakers of an eternal, unquenchable life. It might have seemed to us to be like casting pearls before swine to proclaim that great truth to such hearers; but our Master’s infinite wisdom does not permit us to think so....The sting of it shall be taken away; he may fall asleep; he will do so, but he shall not see death. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) The verb theoreo conveys the meaning to come to the understanding of something and figuratively as in John 8:51 refers to seeing with the sense of to undergo or to experience something. Jesus' point is that they absolutely would never experience death like those who die as unbelievers.
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Spurgeon - Our face is turned away from death. Here am I, poor sinner, convinced of sin and aroused to a fear of wrath. What is before my face? What am I compelled to gaze upon? The Greek is not fully interpreted by the word ‘see’: it is stronger. According to Westcott, the sight is that of ‘a long, steady, exhaustive vision, whereby we become slowly acquainted with the nature of the object to which it is directed.’ The awakened sinner is made to look at eternal death, the threatened punishment of sin. He stands gazing upon the result of sin with terror and dismay. Oh the wrath to come! The death that never dies! While unforgiven, I cannot help gazing upon it and foreseeing it as my doom. When the gospel of the Lord Jesus comes to my soul and I keep his saying by faith, I am turned completely round. My back is upon death and my face is towards life eternal. Death is removed, life is received and more life is promised. What do I see within, around and before me? Life in Christ Jesus! He ‘is our life’. In my future on earth, what do I see? Final falling from grace? No, for Jesus says, ‘I give unto them eternal life’. What do I see far away in eternity? Unending life. ‘He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.’ Now I begin to realize the meaning of that text, ‘I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.’ The man who has received the saying of the Lord Jesus has ‘passed from death unto life’, ‘shall not come into condemnation’ and shall never gaze on death. All that lies before the believer is life ‘more abundantly,’ to the full, eternal. What has become of our death? Our Lord endured it. He died for us. (The Man Who Shall Never See Death) Believers Never See Death H. Moore. John 8:51 - The best of all is, God is with us! His (John Wesley's) death scene was one of the most peaceful and triumphant in the annals of the Church. Prayer, praise, and thankfulness were ever on His lips. Many golden sentences, worthy to be had in everlasting remembrance, were uttered during his last hours. "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth." "He is all! He is all!" "There is no need for more than what I said in Bristol; my words then were — 'I the chief of sinners am, But Jesus died for me!'" "We have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus." "That is the foundation, the only foundation, and there is no other." "How necessary it is for everyone to be on the right foundation!" "The Lord is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge." "Never mind the poor carcase." "The clouds drop fatness." "He giveth His servants rest." "Be causeth His servants to lie down in peace." "I'll praise: I'll praise." "Lord, Thou givest strength to those that can speak, and to those that cannot. Speak, Lord, to all our hearts, and let them know that Thou looseth the tongue." "Jesus! Jesus!" His lips are wetted, and he says his usual grace, "We thank Thee, O Lord, for these and all Thy mercies. Bless the Church and king; and grant us truth and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord, forever and ever." Those who look out of the windows are darkened, and he sees only the shadow of his friends around his bed: "Who are these?" "We are come to rejoice with you: you are going to receive your crown." "It is the Lord's doing," he calmly replies, "and marvellous in our eyes." "I will write," he exclaims, and the materials are placed within his reach; but the "right hand has forgotten her cunning," and "the pen of the once ready writer" refuses to move. "Let me write for you, sir," says an attendant. "What would you say?" Nothing, but that God is with us. Now we have done all. Let us all go." And now, with all his remaining strength, he cries out, "The best of all is, God is with us!" And again, lifting up his fleshless arm in token of victory, and raising his failing voice to a pitch of holy triumph, he repeats the heart-reviving words, "The best of all is, God is with us!" A few minutes before ten o'clock on the morning of the 2nd of March, 1791, he slowly and feebly whispered, "Farewell! farewell!" — and, literally, "without a lingering groan," calmly "fell on sleep, having served his generation by the will of God." Christians Do not Taste of Death - Edward Perronet. John 8:51 A daughter of Mrs. Gov. Wright recently passed away amid Tabor splendour. As she approached death, she said, "I'm going up! I'm going up! You see I'm going up on the ineffable glory. What a glorious approach!" To her husband she said, "Oh! if you could only see what I see, you would know why I long to go." To her pastor, who was reading of the "valley of the shadow of death," she said, "There is no valley." The night preceding her death, she abode in the third heaven of rapture. Being informed that her feet were in the Jordan, she said, "Oh, I am so glad!" Her last words were, "Jesus is peace." (C. D. Foss.) Oh what has the Lord discovered to me this night! Oh the glory of God! the glory of God and heaven! Oh the lovely beauty, the happiness, of paradise! God is all love, He is nothing but love. Oh, help me praise Him! Oh, help me to praise Him! I shall praise Him forever! I shall praise Him forever. (Robert Wilkinson.) Glory to God in the height of His Divinity! Glory to God in the depths of His humanity! Glory to God in His all-sufficiency. Into His hands I commend my spirit. Contrasts in Death - One of our old Scottish ministers, two hundred years ago, lay dying. At his bedside were several of his beloved brethren, watching his departure. Opening his eyes, he spoke to them these singular words: "Fellow passengers to glory, how far am I from the New Jerusalem?" "Not very far," was the loving answer; and the good man departed, to be with Christ. "I'm dying," said one of a different stamp, "and I don't know where I'm going." "I'm dying," said another, "and it's all dark." "I feel," said another, "as if I were going down, down, down!" "A great and a terrible God," said another, three times over; "I dare not meet Him." "Stop that clock!" cried another, whose eye rested intently on a clock which hung opposite the bed. He knew he was dying and he was unready. He had the impression that he was to die at midnight. He heard the ticking of the clock, and it was agony in his ear. He saw the hands, minute by minute, approaching the dreaded hour, and he had no hope. In his blind terror he cried out, "Stop that clock!" Alas! what would the stopping of the clock do for him? Time would move on all the same. Eternity would approach all the same. The stopping of the clock would not prepare him to meet his God. Happy Dying - "I am so far from fearing death, which to others is the king of terrors," exclaimed Dr. Donne, "that I long for the time of dissolution." When Mr. Venn inquired of the Rev. W. Grimshaw how he did, "As happy as I can be on earth, and at sure of glory as if I were in it: I have nothing to do but to step out of this bed into heaven." The fear of death destroyed: — Fox relates, in his "Acts and Monuments," that a Dutch martyr, feeling the flames, said, "Ah, what a small pain is this, compared with the glory to come!" The same author tells us that John Noyes took up a faggot at the fire, and kissing it, said, "Blessed be the time that ever I was born, to come to this preferment." When an ancient martyr was severely threatened by his persecutors, he replied, "There is nothing visible or invisible that I fear. I will stand to my profession of the name and faith of Christ, come of it what will." Hilary said to his soul, "Thou hast served Christ this seventy years, and art thou afraid of death? Go out, soul, go out!" An old minister remarked, a little before his death, "I cannot say I have so lived as that I should not now be afraid to die; but I can say I have so learned Christ that I am not afraid to die." A friend, surprised at the serenity and cheerfulness which the Rev. Ebenezer Erskine possessed in the immediate view of death and eternity, proposed the question, "Sir, are you not afraid of your sins?" "Indeed, no," was his answer; "ever since I knew Christ I have never thought highly of my frames and duties, nor am I slavishly afraid of my sins." Realizations of the Text - John 8:51 "Throw back the shutters and let the sun in," said dying Scoville M'Collum, one of my Sabbath school boys. (Talmage.)Light breaks in! light breaks in! Hallelujah! exclaimed one when dying. Sargeant, the biographer of Martyn, spoke of "glory, glory," and of that "bright light"; and when asked, "What light?" answered, his face kindling into a holy fervour, "The light of the Sun of Righteousness." A blind Hindoo boy, when dying, said joyfully, "I see I now I have light. I see Him in His beauty. Tell the missionary that the blind see. I glory in Christ." Thomas Jewett, referring to the dying expression of the English infidel, "I'm going to take a leap in the dark," said to those at his bedside, "I'm going to take a leap in the light." While still another dying saint said, "I am not afraid to plunge into eternity." A wounded soldier, when asked if he were prepared to depart, said, "Oh yes; my Saviour, in whom I have long trusted, is with me now, and His smile lights up the dark valley for me." A dying minister said, "It is just as I said it would be, 'There is no valley,'" emphatically, repeating, "Oh, no valley. It is clear and bright — a king's highway." The light of an everlasting life seemed to dawn upon his heart; and touched with its glory, he went, already crowned, into the New Jerusalem. A Christian woman lay dying. Visions of heaven came to her. She was asked if she really saw heaven. Her answer was, "I know I saw heaven; but one thing I did not see, the valley of the shadow of death. I saw the suburbs." A young man who had but lately found Jesus was laid upon his dying bed. A friend who stood over him asked, "Is it dark?" "I shall never," said he, "forget his reply. 'No, no,' he exclaimed, 'it is all light! light! light!'" and thus triumphantly passed away. John 8:52 The Jews said to Him, "Now we know that You have a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets also; and You say, 'If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste of death.'
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Spurgeon - He will not answer their questions, for they do not ask that they may learn. They ask that they may cavil; so he multiplies his riddles. He lets the light blind them yet more, Now he speaks, not so much of the undying life of believers, as of his own eternal existence, long before the prophets and Abraham of whom they had spoken......There is a great force in the original language here, “He was glad.” There was an excessive joy which holy men had in looking forward to the coming of Christ. I do not think that we give ourselves enough room for joy in our religion. There are some persons who think it the right thing to restrain their emotions. They have no burstings forth of joy, and seldom a shout of sacred song. But oh! my brethren, if there is anything that deserves the flashing eye, and the leaping foot, and the bounding heart, it is the great truth that Jesus Christ has come into the world to save sinners, even the chief. Let us be glad so often as we make mention of his name. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) Barton - Abraham, by some revelation not directly recorded in Genesis, saw the coming day of the Messiah (cf. Hebrews 11:8-13). Several possibilities have been proposed: (1) According to rabbinic tradition, Abraham was given foresight about the future of his descendants. Jesus, perhaps knowing this tradition, pinpointed the one event that would have made Abraham rejoice—the day when the Messiah, his descendant, would come to deliver the world; (2) Genesis 17:7 mentions God's establishment of an everlasting covenant with Abraham's offspring, which some take to be a messianic promise; (3) Genesis 22:8 records Abraham's prophetic words that "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering," (niv) which received their complete fulfillment in Jesus. Of the three interpretations, the first makes the most sense because the text speaks of "my day"—i.e., the time of Christ's presence on earth. (Borrow John - Life Application Commentary) Believer's Study Bible on what Abraham saw - Probably Christ's "day" refers to His incarnation and all that it involves. It is possible that God had taught Abraham something about the Messiah's coming and mission through the sacrifice of Isaac (cf. Gen. 22:1-19). Reformation Study Bible - Abraham saw Christ's day as he embraced in faith many promises given to him by God, promises that demanded the coming of Christ to be fulfilled. Since the context of the discussion has been Satan as a murderer and Jesus as one whose death delivers from death, it may have special reference to God's providing the ram as a substitute when Abraham was prepared to sacrifice Isaac. This statement shows clearly that even in Old Testament times, believers were saved through faith in Christ presented to them in the foreshadowing given by God to reveal His redemptive plan (cf. Acts 4:12). ESV Study Bible (borrow) Jesus is possibly referring to a whole pattern of joyful and confident faith in Abraham’s life, rather than one specific event. If the reference is to one event, some possibilities are Gen. 12:1-3; or 17:17, 20; or 22:8, 13-18; cf. Rom. 4:13-21. John
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Spurgeon - Before there was any Abraham, there was this glorious Christ of ours existing as the Eternal I AM, in all the infinity of his glory. Now comes a thoroughly characteristic Jewish answer.....They allowed a wide margin in speaking of our Saviour’s age, for he was only thirty-three years old. It may be true that the sorrows of his life had so marred his countenance that he looked more like a man of fifty than one of three-and-thirty. I cannot tell, nor do I know whether that is what they meant; but it is singular that they should have said to him, “Thou art not yet fifty years old.” (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) John 8:58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am." Truly, truly: Jn 8:34,51 Before: Jn 1:1,2 17:5,24 Pr 8:22-30 Isa 9:6 Mic 5:2 Col 1:17 Heb 1:10-12 Heb 13:8 Rev 1:11,17,18 2:8 I am: Ex 3:14 Isa 43:13 44:6,8 46:9 48:12 Rev 1:8 John 8 - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: John 8:24 “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am (ego eimi) He, you will die in your sins.” John 8:28 So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am (ego eimi) He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. Exodus 3:14+ God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” JESUS DECLARES HE IS "I AM" - EGO EIMI! Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am (ego eimi) - Truly, truly is Jesus' way of getting His hearers full attention! Jesus is clearly stating that He existed before Abraham came into existence. In addition the I am (ego eimi) is Jesus saying He has continuously existed, which of course can only be said of God. He clearly claimed to be eternal God. The contrast between was born (genesthai = entrance into existence of Abraham) and I am (ego eimi = timeless being - present tense) leaves no room for doubt as to Jesus' meaning. THOUGHT - Dear skeptic, don't ever make the inane statement that Jesus never claimed to be God. He could not have stated this reality much more clearly. In fact it was stated so clearly that the Jews sought to stone Him to death! They knew exactly what He claimed with the declaration "I AM!" Kostenberger points out that "Jesus does not merely claim preexistence—otherwise he could have said, “before Abraham was born, I was”—but deity." The present instance of ἐγὼ εἰμί (egō eimi, I am) startlingly culminates earlier occurrences of this expression in this chapter (e.g., Jn 8:24, 28) (See John - Page 273 ) Merrill Tenney - “I AM was recognized by the Jews as a title of deity.” Dods - Before Abraham came into existence I am, eternally existent… No stronger affirmation of pre-existence occurs.” ESV Study Bible (borrow) Jesus does not simply say, “Before Abraham was, I was,” which would simply mean that he is more than 2,000 years old. Rather, he uses the present tense “I am” in speaking of existence more than 2,000 years earlier, thus claiming a kind of transcendence over time that could only be true of God. The words “I am” in Greek use the same expression (Egō eimi) found in the Septuagint in the first half of God’s self-identification in Ex. 3:14, “I am who I am.” Jesus is thus claiming not only to be eternal but also to be the God who appeared to Moses at the burning bush. His Jewish opponents understood his meaning immediately and they “picked up stones” to stone him to death for blasphemy Spurgeon - Here he claims his Deity to the fullest extent, and those who can read the New Testament, and profess to believe it, and yet not see Christ as a claimant of Deity, must be sinfully blind.....They had asked him, “Whom makest thou thyself?” and now they have his answer: “Before Abraham was, I am,” saith Christ. It is the very name by which God revealed himself to Moses at the burning bush, “I AM.” Yet Jesus takes this title to himself: “Before Abraham was,” — not, “I was;” notice that; but, “I am;” as if his life was one continued present existence, as indeed it is, for with God there is no past or future, but all things are ever-present to his infinite mind. When Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I am,” he claimed the Godhead, he declared that he was certainly God, self-existent from all eternity. (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) TSK - That our Lord by this expression asserted his divinity and eternal existence, as the great I AM, appears evident from the use of the present tense, instead of the past tense, from its being in answer to the Jews, who enquired whether he had seen Abraham, and from its being thus understood by the multitude, who were exasperated at it to such a degree that they took up stones to stone him. The ancient Jews not only believed that the Messiah was superior to and Lord of all the patriarchs, and even of angels, but that his celestial nature existed with God from whom it emanated, before the creation, and that the creation was effected by his ministry. QUESTION - Did Jesus say He is God? ANSWER - It is true that Jesus never said the exact words, “I am God.” He did, however, make the claim to be God in many different ways, and those who heard Him knew exactly what He was saying. For example, in John 10:30, Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” The Jews who heard Him make that statement knew well that He was claiming to be God, as witnessed by their reaction: “His Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him” (John 10:31). When He asked them why they were attempting to stone Him, they said, “For blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God” (John 10:33). Stoning was the penalty for blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16), and the Jews plainly accused Jesus of claiming to be God. Jesus made another statement claiming to be God when He said, “Very truly I tell you, . . . before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58). The Jews, upon hearing Him, clearly understood that He was claiming preexistence and, more than that, to be Yahweh, the great “I AM” of Exodus 3:14. On this occasion, too, they tried to stone Him for blasphemy. The Gospel of John begins with a statement of Jesus’ deity: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1, emphasis added). In verse 14, John identifies the Word: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John is affirming that the Word (Jesus) is God, and He left heaven to come to earth in the form of a man to live with men and display the glory of God the Father. The disciples of Jesus distinctly heard Him declare His deity. After Jesus’ resurrection, Thomas the doubting disciple finally understood Jesus’ deity, declaring Him to be “my Lord and my God” (John 20:28). If Jesus were not Lord and God, He would have corrected Thomas, but He did not; Thomas spoke the truth. After seeing Jesus walking on the water, His disciples worshipped Him (Matthew 14:33). When He appeared to them after the resurrection, they fell at His feet and worshipped Him (Matthew 28:9). The disciples were well aware of the Mosaic Law’s penalty for blasphemy, yet they worshipped Him as God, and Jesus accepted their worship. Jesus never rebuked people for worshipping Him, accepting their worship as good and proper. Jesus’ deity is recognized throughout the New Testament. Paul eagerly awaited “the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13) and encouraged us to do the same. Both Paul and John declared that Jesus created the universe (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16–17), yet Genesis 1:1 clearly says that God created the heavens and the earth. This can only mean that Jesus is God. Even God the Father referred to Jesus as God: “About the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever’” (Hebrews 1:8, quoting Psalm 45:6). Did Jesus say He was God? Yes, in many ways, including applying the names and attributes of God to Himself. He made it clear that He was God incarnate, proving it by His words, by His miracles, and finally by His resurrection from the dead. Although they doubted at first, those who were finally convinced of His deity understood why He had to die on the cross. If He were a mere man, His death would have been only sufficient to pay for His own sins, but because He was God in the flesh, His sacrifice was infinite and holy and able to pay for all the sins of the world. GotQuestions.org (used by permission) Related Resources from Gotquestions.org: What are the strongest biblical arguments for the divinity of Christ? Is Jesus God in the flesh (GOD INCARNATE)? Why is it important that Jesus is God in the flesh? Was Jesus created?Is the deity of Christ biblical? Is Jesus Yahweh? Is Jesus Jehovah? John 8:58 David Reed - Borrow Jehovah's Witnesses : answered verse by verse - To avoid the obvious implication regarding the deity of Christ, Watchtower translators changed Jesus’ words in the New World Translation to read: “Before Abraham came into existence, I have been.” See our discussion of Exodus 3:14, where God revealed himself to Moses as the “I AM.” Norman Geisler - JOHN 8:58—Does this verse indicate that Jesus was merely preexistent (as opposed to being eternally preexistent)? MISINTERPRETATION: In John 8:58 (NASB) we read, “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.’ ” By contrast, the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ New World Translation reads, “Jesus said to them: ‘Most truly I say to you, Before Abraham came into existence, I have been.’ ” This indicates that Jesus was preexistent but not eternally preexistent (certainly not as the great I Am of the Old Testament). “The question of the Jews (verse 57) to which Jesus was replying had to do with age, not identity. Jesus’ reply logically dealt with his age, the length of his existence” (Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1989, 418). CORRECTING THE MISINTERPRETATION: Greek scholars agree that the Watchtower Society has no justification for translating ego eimi in John 8:58 as “I have been” (a translation that masks its connection to Exodus 3:14 where God reveals his name to be I Am). The Watchtower Society once attempted to classify the Greek word eimi as a perfect indefinite tense to justify this translation—but Greek scholars have responded by pointing out that there is no such thing as a perfect indefinite tense in the Greek. The words ego eimi occur many times in John’s Gospel. Interestingly, the New World Translation elsewhere translates ego eimi correctly (as in John 4:26; 6:35, 48, 51; 8:12, 24, 28; 10:7, 11, 14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1, 5; and 18:5, 6, 8). Only in John 8:58 does the mistranslation occur. The Watchtower Society is motivated to translate this verse differently in order to avoid it appearing that Jesus is the great I Am of the Old Testament. Consistency and scholarly integrity calls for John 8:58 to be translated the same way as all the other occurrences of ego eimi—that is, as “I am.” Finally, as noted above, I Am is the name God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14–15. The name conveys the idea of eternal self-existence. Yahweh never came into being at a point in time, for he has always existed. To know Yahweh is to know the eternal one. It is therefore understandable that when Jesus made the claim to be I Am, the Jews immediately picked up stones with the intention of killing Jesus, for they recognized he was implicitly identifying himself as Yahweh. (When Cultists Ask) Norman Geisler - JOHN 8:58—Does this verse indicate that all human beings have the I Am presence of God within them? MISINTERPRETATION: New Agers Mark and Elizabeth Clare Prophet interpret these words of Jesus with a New Age twist, exalting all human beings to the level of God. The Prophets tell us that “Jesus’ I AM Presence looks just like yours. This is the common denominator. This is the coequality of the sons and daughters of God. He created you equal in the sense that he gave you an I AM Presence—he gave you a Divine Self” (Prophet, 1990, 83). Similarly, Christian Science founder Mary Baker Eddy said that “by these sayings Jesus meant, not that the human Jesus was or is eternal, but that the divine idea or Christ was and is so and therefore antedated Abraham; not that the corporeal Jesus was one with the Father, but that the spiritual idea, Christ, dwells forever in the bosom of the Father” (Eddy, Science and Health, 333–34). Is this a correct understanding of Jesus’ claim here? CORRECTING THE MISINTERPRETATION: John 8:58 cannot be interpreted to mean that all human beings have an “I AM Presence.” In this verse, Jesus implicitly and uniquely ascribed the divine name Yahweh to himself. The backdrop of this is that I Am and Yahweh are equated in Exodus 3:14–15. Jesus was here equating himself with the God Almighty as God revealed himself in Exodus 3. The Jews did not understand Jesus to be teaching that they too were identified as I Am. Nor did Jesus correct them, and say, “Oh, you misunderstand, for you too are I Am.” Jesus uniquely and exclusively claimed to be the great I Am of the Old Testament. The reaction of the Jewish audience demonstrates that they understood Jesus to be making a unique claim to be deity. For “they took up stones to throw at Him” (v. 59) which was the appropriate reaction for one who “being a man, make Yourself out to be God” (cf. John 10:32–33). See also comments on Matthew 6:33; 24:23–24. (When Cultists Ask) QUESTION - What did Jesus mean when He said “I AM”? WATCH THE ACCOMPANYING VIDEO ANSWER - Jesus, in response to the Pharisees’ question “Who do you think you are?” said, “‘Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.’ ‘You are not yet fifty years old,’ the Jews said to him, ‘and you have seen Abraham!’ ‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’ At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds” (John 8:56–59). The violent response of the Jews to Jesus’ “I AM” statement indicates they clearly understood what He was declaring—that He was the eternal God incarnate. Jesus was equating Himself with the "I AM" title God gave Himself in Exodus 3:14. If Jesus had merely wanted to say He existed before Abraham’s time, He would have said, “Before Abraham, I was.” The Greek words translated “was,” in the case of Abraham, and “am,” in the case of Jesus, are quite different. The words chosen by the Spirit make it clear that Abraham was “brought into being,” but Jesus existed eternally (see John 1:1). There is no doubt that the Jews understood what He was saying because they took up stones to kill Him for making Himself equal with God (John 5:18). Such a statement, if not true, was blasphemy and the punishment prescribed by the Mosaic Law was death (Leviticus 24:11–14). But Jesus committed no blasphemy; He was and is God, the second Person of the Godhead, equal to the Father in every way. Jesus used the same phrase “I AM” in seven declarations about Himself. In all seven, He combines I AM with tremendous metaphors which express His saving relationship toward the world. All appear in the book of John. They are I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51); I AM the Light of the World (John 8:12); I AM the Door of the Sheep (John 10:7, 9); I AM the Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14); I AM the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25); I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6); and I AM the True Vine (John 15:1, 5). GotQuestions.org (Used by permission) Timeless Savior “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” John 8:58 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 8:48–59 Jeralean Talley died in June 2015 as the world’s oldest living person—116 years of age. In 1995, the city of Jerusalem celebrated its 3,000th birthday. One hundred sixteen is old for a person, and 3,000 is old for a city, but there are trees that grow even older. A bristlecone pine in California’s White Mountains has been determined to be older than 4,800 years. That precedes the patriarch Abraham by 800 years! Jesus, when challenged by the Jewish religious leaders about His identity, also claimed to pre-date Abraham. “Very truly I tell you,” He said, “before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58). His bold assertion shocked those who were confronting Him, and they sought to stone Him. They knew He wasn’t referring to a chronological age but was actually claiming to be eternal by taking the ancient name of God, “I am” (see Ex. 3:14). But as a member of the Trinity, He could make that claim legitimately. In John 17:3, Jesus prayed, “This is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” The timeless One entered into time so we could live forever. He accomplished that mission by dying in our place and rising again. Because of His sacrifice, we anticipate a future not bound by time, where we will spend eternity with Him. He is the timeless one. Bill Crowder The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine; but God, who called me here below, will be forever mine. John Newton Learn more about the life to come at discoveryseries.org/q1205. Christ holds all things together. Colossians 1:17 John 8:59 Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple. picked up stones: Jn 8:5,6 10:30-33 11:8 18:31 Lev 24:16 Lu 4:29 Ac 7:57 but: Jn 5:13 Jn 10:39,40 11:54 Ge 19:11 2Ki 6:18-20 Lu 4:30 24:31 Ac 8:39,40 John 8 - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: John 10:39 Therefore they were seeking again to seize Him, and He eluded their grasp. Leviticus 24:16 ‘Moreover, the one who blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall certainly stone him. The alien as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death. John 7:30 So they were seeking to seize Him; and no man laid his hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. JEWS SEEK TO STONE THE "BLASPHEMER" Therefore - This is one of the more dramatic terms of conclusion in the entire Bible! Jesus has effectively told these professed believers, not only were they unbelieving, but that their father was the devil, so their blood pressure was already significantly elevated! But when He declared "I Am" that was the last straw for them because they now felt He was guilty of blasphemy in calling Himself God. they picked up stones to throw at Him - Stoning was the way a blasphemer might be dealt with. But the Jews were not allowed to carry out capital punishment according to the Roman laws. Clearly they did not care what punishment the Romans might inflict on them as they now had heard enough from this blasphemer! This reaction by the Jews reminds one of the reception of Jesus' first sermon in His hometown of Nazareth - "And all the people in the synagogue were filled with rage as they heard these things. And they got up and drove Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city had been built, in order to throw Him down the cliff. But passing through their midst, He went His way. (Lu 4:28-30+)
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Spurgeon - This is always the sinner’s argument against the right: first, hard words, and then stones. They believed that He claimed to be God, as He certainly did, and therefore they tried to stone Him; and there is no foothold for those who say that Christ was a very good man, but only a Man. If He was not the Son of God, He was not a good man, for no good man would have left upon His followers, and upon His foes, too, the impression that He claimed to be God, if He was not; and no good man could have claimed to be God if He was not really so. Rank Him either amongst the grossest of impostors, or else as the Son of God, — one or the other. There is no halting-piece between the two. Blessed be Thy Name, O Son of Mary, Thou art also the Son of the Highest, and as such we worship and adore Thee! (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) HCSB Study Bible (borrow) - Stoning was the prescribed punishment for blasphemy (Lev. 24:16; cp. Deut. 13:6-11; John 10:31-33; 11:8). However, this was never to be enacted by mob violence (Deut. 17:2-7). In the OT, righteous men like Moses (Ex. 17:4), Joshua and Caleb (Num. 14:10), and David (1 Sam. 30:6) were nearly stoned. As on previous occasions, Jesus evaded arrest (John 7:30, 44; 8:20; see note at 2:4). His withdrawal from the Jews strikes a note of judgment similar to the removal of God's favor from King Saul (1 Sam. 15:23). Spurgeon in another note wrote "They counted him a blasphemer, and so he was if he was not all he claimed to be. I have heard of some who reverence Christ, but do not believe him to be God; but how can that be? He evidently made himself out to be God, and this was the great charge the Jews brought against him. For this, indeed, they put him to death, because he made himself equal with God. If he was not equal with God,— if he was not really God,— he led men to think that he was; and if this was false, it was a great sin not consistent with the holy character of Christ. If he was not God, he was the grossest impostor who ever visited this world. But he was God, and nothing less; yet because he claimed this, the Jews took up stones to cast at him." (Spurgeon's Exposition - Gospel of John) C. S. Lewis explained our options regarding Jesus this way I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: “I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.” That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God; or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him or kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to. (Free - C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity) That’s an inviolable principle to always keep in mind: Challenges to Jesus always fail! -- Steven Cole But Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple - How Jesus could have hidden Himself in the Temple grounds is a mystery. What is not a mystery is the fact that this was not the hour appointed by the Father and no man could lay a hand or a stone on Him. And so He departs the Temple after one of the more intense dialogues in the Scripture. Kostenberger - Jesus consistently eludes his pursuers until the appointed “time” (cf. Jn 7:30, 44; 8:20; see also Luke 4:30) (See John - Page 274) Steven
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Spurgeon - The light of the world ‘Ye are the light of the world.’ Matthew 5:14 The believer is appointed to be a lighthouse to others, a cheering lamp, a guiding star. It is true that his light will be increased as he learns more of Christ; he will be able to impart more instruction to others when he has received more, but even while he is yet a beginner, his faith in Jesus is in itself a light; men see his good works even before they discover his knowledge. The man of faith who aims at holiness is a light of the world, even though his knowledge may be very limited and his experience that of a babe. Every Christian should see the application of the text to himself. It is not spoken to the apostles or to ministers exclusively, but to the entire body of the faithful—‘Ye are the light of the world.’ You humble men and women whose usefulness will be confined to your houses or to your workplaces, whose voices will never be heard in the streets, whose speech will only be eloquent in the ears of those who gather by your firesides, noiseless and unobserved as your lives will be, you are the true light of the world. Not alone the men whose learned volumes load our shelves, not alone the men whose thundering tones startle the nations, or who with busy care for God’s glory compass sea and land to find subjects for the kingdom of Jesus, but you, each one of you, who are humbly resting upon the Saviour and lovingly carrying out your high vocation as the children of God and followers of his dear Son. Let us never forget that light must first be imparted to us, or it can never go forth from us. We are not lights of the world by nature; at best we are but lamps unlit until the Spirit of God comes. Ask yourself whether God has ever kindled you by the flame of his Spirit. Have you been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into light? Charles Stanley - Living Clean in a Dirty World SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Corinthians 6:14–18 KEY VERSE: John 8:12 Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” How do you live clean in a dirty world? One of the first steps toward discovering this comes when you realize that God has given you a different nature from that of the world. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul asked, “What communion has light with darkness?” If you are a believer, the light of God’s salvation burns within you. Jesus is the Light of the World. He told His followers, “He who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). While you remain physically in the world, your eternal place of residence is in heaven. Through Jesus Christ, God has purified your life. Binding association with the world only darkens the light of Christ’s presence within you. God instructed the nation of Israel to keep the lamps in the temple lit throughout the day and night. Only the very best olive oil was to be burned in the lamps. However, the people became complacent in their devotion to the Lord and began burning cheaper oil. As a result, smoke filled the temple, blackening its walls. This is what happens to us when we fail to keep ourselves pure before the Lord. We think our association with the world will not harm us, but it blackens our lives. Then the clarity and brightness of God’s life within us are dimmed. Ask Him to reveal to you any impurity in your life so you can remove it and live clean in a dirty world. Dear Lord, reveal any impurities in my life so that I can seek Your forgiveness and live clean in a dirty world. (Into His Presence) CHRIST OUR LIGHT - F B