GETTING STARTED
Phil Martelli, Saint Joseph’s University basketball coach, became known to the world over the weekend as his four year old grandson imitated his every move and likeness on the sidelines. Little Philip wore the suit and the adult tie; he crossed his arms and stroked his chin like grandpa, wrote his version of plays in marker on his whiteboard and even yelled at the refs. There was no doubt about the parentage of this boy as you watched his actions.
- What do our actions display about who we are and to whom we belong?
READ THE WORD: JOHN 8:39-47 (ESV)
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, 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. 41 You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 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. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
- Who was the “they” that Jesus is having this conversation with?
- What did they claim as their identity?
- How does their conduct contradict their claims? Who did Jesus say they were?
- What were the people’s claims about Jesus? What were they implying in vs. 41?
- Why is our conduct the truest witness of our beliefs?
RESPOND TO GOD
Those accusing Jesus of lying about who he was were the very ones contradicting who they claimed to be. Their actions showed more of the characteristics of Satan, the father of lies and murder than Abraham who loved and obeyed God. If you have surrendered your life to Christ you are now a child of God and your actions on display for the world to see should point others to your father in heaven.
- Ask God to show you areas in your life that contradict who you claim to be as a Christian. Pray for his forgiveness and repent.
- Pray that the Holy Spirit fills you with the character of God your father so that the world may see him through your actions.