The Gospel of John: John 8.48-59

Read and meditate on John 8.52, 53.
Logic failed them. Denying His good works was useless. Name-calling only emboldened Him more. The religious leaders were determined to hoist Jesus on His own petard, and they were just waiting for the right words. Now they seized on an effort to make His words seem heretical to every sincere son or daughter of Abraham.

                               ⁵²The Jews said to the Lord,
“Ah, now we know You have a demon! For
our father, Abraham, is dead; what’s more,
the prophets also. Yet You dare to cry,
‘Whoever keeps My Word shall never die.’
⁵³Are You then greater than our father, who
is dead? Or than the prophets, greater too
than all of them? Who do You make Yourself
to be?”

- John 8.52, 53

Reflect
1.  The religious leaders insisted that only someone who was demon-possessed would dare to claim he was greater than Abraham or the prophets. How were the Jews trying to brand Jesus here? Complete this prayer: Lord, I pray for those unbelievers to whom You are sending me today. Work on their hearts, Lord. Help them to…

2.  In Jewish society of the first century AD, no higher authority existed than Abraham, Moses, and the prophets. So why is Moses not included in this part of the argument of these religious leaders? You might want to review John 7.14-24 (part of this same conversation) as you consider your reply. Help me to be ready, Lord, with an explanation for the hope that is within me whenever…

3.  Jesus had batted their Moses curve ball out of the park, so they didn’t try it again. They chose a different pitch. They wanted Jesus to claim something, to say that He was greater than Abraham and greater than the prophets. In the mind of first-century Jews, Who would that have been? Why was it important to them that He say this, and not they? I know people don’t like it when they feel like everything they’ve trusted in is useless compared to Jesus, but…

4.  Jesus insisted that all who keep His Word would never see death. The Jewish leaders replied, “Oh yeah? Well Abraham’s dead. And the prophets are dead.” In saying this, what were they insinuating about Jesus’ words? What does this remark reveal about how much they really understood Jesus? It’s important to be clear, Lord, when I share the Gospel. Help me think through all the words and promises of the Gospel, so that I can anticipate any sticking points others might have, and…

5. They wanted Jesus to say, yes, He was greater than Abraham, and yes, He was greater than the prophets. In their minds, such a heretical claim would assault the very foundations of Jewish religious life. Were they right? Explain. Bring together into one prayer the prayers you wrote for questions 1-4.

Summary
“Just as it is inevitable that the good become better as a result of offenses, so the condemned always become worse after receiving a kindness. After they had received his preaching, they repeated, ‘Now we know that you have a demon.’ They had clung to eternal death without realizing that this was the death to which they were clinging.” Gregory the Great (540-604 AD)

These religious leaders were making fools of themselves, trying to make a fool of Jesus. How would you describe Jesus’ demeanor throughout this lengthy conversation? How can we make sure we are always like this as we bear witness to the Lord?

Closing Prayer
I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the LORD, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Psalm 34.1-8

Psalm 34.1-9, 3 (Alleluia [Lowe]: Mighty God, While Angels Bless You)
I will bless the Lord at all times; I shall praise Him evermore!
My soul makes its boast in Jesus – Him we gladly all adore!
    Magnify the Name of Jesus!
    Let us lift His Name in praise!

When I sought the Lord, He answered, and from fear delivered me.
Those who look to Him are radiant; shamed their face shall never be.
    Magnify the Name of Jesus!
    Let us lift His Name in praise!

When I cried to God, He heard me, and from trouble rescued me.
‘Round their camp His angel lingers that they may delivered be.
    Magnify the Name of Jesus!
    Let us lift His Name in praise!

Taste and see how good is Jesus; blessed are all who in Him hide.
None shall lack for any blessing who in Christ will e’er confide.
    Magnify the Name of Jesus!
    Let us lift His Name in praise!

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.