Faith that Doesn’t Run Deep Enough- John 8:31-59

Today, we see what happens when we approach Jesus with closed hearts and minds.

Yesterday, the last verse was, “Many put their faith in him.” Apparently, although many people had made a formal profession of faith in Jesus, the rest of this chapter shows that they were not true believers. They start off by arguing the point that they have never been slaves to anyone which is quite ironic because Rome governs their every move. They are definitely not free.

Jesus tells them that everyone who sins is a slave to sin meaning that the sinner is incapable of breaking free from sin on their own. He says the Son can set them free, but openly acknowledges that these people want to kill him. He tells them he has been in the presence of the Father.

They are so convinced of their own preconceptions of the truth, that they don’t really hear what Jesus is saying to them. How do we do today, with our preconceptions about our faith or about church? What about our preconceptions about religion in general? It’s easy to hang a sign of judgement on all churches or all denominations because of limited exposure we may have had to one or a few along the way. Preconceptions can have really negative consequences when it comes to dealing with God. It’s usually best to go into His presence with a clear mind and open heart to whatever He has to give us.

These Jews did not take that route. Their minds and hearts were closed and Jesus calls them out. He tells them they are children of the devil because they are oriented towards Satan and away from God. These are fighting words. The Jews were furious. Let’s be honest here, most people would be. No one likes to be called out when they are doing something wrong, but we have to remember that they honestly believed they were doing what was right.

But, that’s a price we pay if we want to walk closely with Jesus. He loves us madly and unconditionally, but he will call us out when we are in the wrong. Our hearts are convicted when we go in the wrong direction. While that’s not comfortable; it’s a necessary part of our faith journey.

They then accuse him of being demon-possessed and being a Samaritan. (Remember what the Jews thought about the Samaritans?) The debate at this point, has disintegrated into name calling on the part of the Jews. Jesus talks about seeing Abraham and they call him a liar because he’s not old enough to have seen Abraham.

Then Jesus utters the words that break the proverbial camel’s back. “before Abraham was born, I am!” This statement echos God’s great affirmation . He expresses his eternity of being and being one with God. These are his last words in this speech that began with “I am the light of the world.”

The Jews have heard enough and pick up stones. They plan on stoning him. But, Jesus slipps away from the temple grounds. Clearly, God had his hand on him. How else could he just slip away from this angry crowd?

What do you think about today’s reading and how quickly this crowd turned against Jesus? I’d love to hear from you.

Have an awesome day!

Wendy 🙂