John 8:1-11 — The Woman Caught in Adultery
John 8:12-59 — I Am the Light of the World, Before Abraham Was
John 9 — Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
There are many interactions with the Jews during Jesus’ ministry because he spoke in the temple and temple courts often. Most didn’t believe anything they were hearing, but some did. “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free'” (John 8:31-32). Even though they said they believed Jesus, they didn’t understand this teaching and their line of questioning leaves room for doubt about their commitment. Much like our series on Barriers to Faith, they were confused or perhaps they really were block by these barriers. “They answered him, ‘How can you say that we shall be set free?'” (8:33b). (They are descendants of Abraham and therefore they are slaves to no one physically. see 8:33a). “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin…if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (8:34, 36). By verse 52 their tone switches dramatically, “At this they exclaimed, ‘Now we know that you are demon-possessed!'” (8:52). They could not accept his teaching to the point “they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds” (8:59).
Jesus continues to minister to the people and heals a man born blind. The Pharisees struggle to get their minds around his teaching and miracles, most fail to understand. They question the parents of the healed man and then the man himself. His famous response is priceless, “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (9:25). Further, this man, blind from birth preaches to the Pharisees…”how dare you lecture us!” (9:34) is their response! Jesus finds the man and comforts him in 9:35-38. What a great story of faith! Lord I pray we will believe, that we will not be blind to your truth!