They
angrily asked Jesus, "Who do you think you are?" (John
8:53)
Jesus'
Bold Claims (John 8:31-59)
*
During the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus went up to the
temple courts, and began to teach. He said things like, "I
am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk
in darkness, but will have the light of life." Many people
believed in him. Others merely professed belief in him. Jesus
spoke to these people.
1. Read John 8:31-41. According to Jesus, what is a true
disciple? What is the result of following Jesus' teachings?
2.
Jesus says, "the truth will set you free." In what
way can we be "set free" by the "truth?"
What is "freedom?" What kind of "slavery"
is Jesus talking about? To what degree is humanity affected
by this "slavery?"
3.
How do the Jews respond to Jesus' offer of freedom? What does
this indicate about their perception of their need? How can
one's position; privilege; national, cultural, or religious
identity keep him or her from true freedom?
Questions
for Personal Reflection
>
Jesus was talking to professing believers (8:31), but it became
obvious that some of them were not true believers. If you
are a professing believer, are you also a "true disciple?"
Do you hold to Jesus' teaching? A true disciple seeks to understand,
and commits to obey Jesus' teaching as a way of life. What
changes in your life are needed to live as a true disciple?
>
Have you acknowledged the need to be "set free?"
What is enslaving or binding you? Jesus says, "Hold to
my teaching. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will
set you free."
*
Jesus uses the term "Father" to refer to his relationship
with "God the Father" (John 8:38). According to Jesus,
those who oppose him have another "father" (8:38).
In John 8:42-47, Jesus says their "father" is "the
devil" (8:44). Of course, this makes them very angry!
4. Read John 8:48-59. Jesus makes bold claims in this
passage (8:51, 55-56), including, "I tell you the truth,
before Abraham was born, I am!" (8:58). What does Jesus
mean by this statement? Do the Jews understand what Jesus is
claiming about himself?
What Else Did Jesus Say?
†
"I and the Father are one." (John 10:30)
†
"If
you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now
on, you do know him and have seen him." (John 14:7, cf.
8:19)
†
"Anyone
who has seen me has seen the Father." (John 14:9)
†
"For
just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even
so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it."
(John 5:21)
†
The Bible does not record Jesus explicitly saying, "I am
God," Neither did Jesus say, "I am not God" when
others addressed him as God, or accused him of claiming equality
with God.
†
After Thomas said to Jesus, "My Lord and My God!"
Jesus did not correct him, but responded, "Because you
have seen me, you have believed" (John 20:28-29).
Reflection
& Application
>
The Jews in this passage were unwilling to believe Jesus' claims.
Like them, many people today are unwilling to believe Jesus'
claims. Assuming the Scriptures accurately record Jesus' life
and words (an "assumption" with sound basis), we are
left with these alternatives: Either Jesus is a liar, lunatic
(insane), or Lord. Which alternative would you choose? Why?
"But
what about you?" [Jesus] asked. "Who do you say I
am?" (Matthew 16:15)
>
Review and reflect on John 8:31-59. If you have any questions,
please contact Jay.
