Only One Way!

The Father Glorifies the Son?

John 8:48-58

Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567

Language serves as a crucial medium for interpersonal communication. Verbal expression has the power to evoke vivid images of the beauty in our surroundings, motivate us to achieve remarkable feats, and ignite transformations in our passions, goals, and dreams. When two completely opposing perspectives collide, intense emotions are kindled, sparks ensue, and passionate words of debate are exchanged. Jesus engaged a discussion with His own people concerning His identity as God’s one and only Son not to incite their anger toward Him, but rather to unveil their sin, providing them with an opportunity to repent. For instance, earlier in their discussions Jesus had told them, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him” (3:17). Also, Jesus arrived to offer His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45), reflecting God the Father's desire that none should perish (2 Peter 3:9).

Before delving into John 8:48-59, let's turn our attention in our Bibles to the preceding discourse (8:31-47) to grasp the context of the ongoing discussion. Jesus' proclamation to the Jewish community, "If you hold to My teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (8:31), initiated a spirited debate that has endured for centuries. The bold assertion from Jesus, stating that mere descent from Abraham didn't guarantee entry into heaven, sparked profound offense. He elaborated, emphasizing that they were enslaved by sin, and consequently, lacked a place in God's kingdom (8:35-38). In vehement objection, the Jews passionately claimed God's lineage through Abraham as their father. Jesus countered, suggesting that if they truly were God's children, they would embrace His teachings, as Abraham did (8:39), given that His words emanated from God the Father in heaven. This declaration further infuriated the Jewish community, especially when Christ asserted the uncomfortable truth that their rejection of His teachings identified their spiritual parentage with the devil, the original deceiver (8:42-47). As we now turn to John 8:48-59, we'll observe how Jesus responded to the Jewish accusations of being a Samaritan and demon possessed. He countered by affirming the truth that the Father glorifies the Son, who existed long before Abraham.

Accusation#1: You are a Samaritan and Demon Possessed

After their theological discussion, which revolved around the belief that being descendants of Abraham automatically conferred upon them the status of children in God's kingdom, the Jews shifted their focus to engaging in personal insults and verbal abuse. First, they accused Jesus of being a Samaritan, one of their most hated of all neighbors! Following the collapse of the northern kingdom in 722 BC, the Assyrians not only displaced numerous Israelites but also resettled people of various nationalities to cultivate their lands. The intermarriage of both Jews and Gentiles gave birth to a new people, the Samaritans. The animosity of the Jewish people towards this new community stemmed from several reasons: their practice of worshiping both God and other deities, the selection of Mount Gerizim rather than Jerusalem as their sacred temple site, their association with magical practices, and their acknowledgment of only the first five books of the Bible. The disdain for Samaritans was so profound that any form of social interaction or marriage between the two groups was strictly prohibited. To call Jesus a Samaritan was the highest of insult for any Jew to bear. The Jews' second accusation against Jesus centered on the claim that He was demon-possessed. This grave allegation was likely aimed at undermining Jesus' prophetic authority and refuting any notion of Him being the Messiah. Matthew recounts another episode where the Pharisees accused Jesus of performing miracles through the influence of Beelzebul, the prince of demons (Matthew 12:22-28). The irony is palpable as those referred to as "children of hell" in Matthew 23:15 accused the Lord of drawing power from their master.

Reflection. How sad it is that when a person caught in sin resorts to character assassination rather than repentance! Have you ever argued with someone and got you so angry that you started to call them names? Ever wonder how God feels when you say you love Him but do not love those created in His image?

Response#1: God will Judge, Obey Me and not Die

In response to their accusation Jesus states His teachings and miracles are “not the fruit of arrogance, dementia, Samaritanism or the occult, but simply obedience to the Father.” The Devil, though he be real and not a figment of one’s imagination like many today believe, was not haunting or possessing Christ’s mind and will! Jesus’ response to the Jews accusation likely depicts a court scene in which both He and the Jews are standing before the Father. Jesus warns them that the Father who has absolute power and infinite knowledge has already judged the works of the Son and found them righteous because they are in perfect unison with the Father’s will. Jesus does not require endorsement or acclaim from the Jewish people, as that recognition has already been granted to Him by the Father. The assertion made by the Jews that Jesus is demon-possessed is unfounded, for both Christ and the Father attest to the contrary! Jesus warns the Jewish people, in love, that in rejecting His teachings will lead to their condemnation. If they truly lived in accordance with God's will, as they professed, they would embrace the teachings of God's only Son. However, since they rejected His words, they have turned away from the sole path, truth, and life that leads to salvation (John 14:6, 3:16)! Although the separation of the soul from the body, known as physical death, is a cause of great fear for many, spiritual death stands out as the most formidable source of terror. While physical death, the separation of the soul from the body, is not feared, spiritual death is the greatest source of terror. God has implanted eternity in one's heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11) to prompt the search for God, who is always near (Isaiah 55:6-7). The author of Hebrews emphasizes that everyone is destined to die once and then face judgment (9:27-28). Jesus informs the Jewish people that those with faith in Him and who follow His teachings will experience eternal life with the Father in heaven. However, He warns that those who reject Him are also rejecting the Father who sent Him and at harvest time will be bundled together and burned (Matthew 13:24-30).