What Jesus Did

The people said, "Now we know you are possessed by a demon. Even Abraham and the prophets died, but you say, 'Anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!' Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?" Jesus answered, "If I want glory for myself, it doesn't count. But it is my Father who will glorify me. You say, 'He is our God,' but you don't even know him. I know him. If I said otherwise, I would be as great a liar as you! But I do...

 

(Jesus said,) "I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!"

—John 8:51 NLT

Key Thought


When we become Christians, when we are baptized into Christ, we die to our old selves. We are raised to live a new life. The old life is gone. The most important death has happened. Yes, our bodies will eventually die. But as Christians, we are united with Christ and not even physical death can separate us from him. The living part of us goes to be with...

 

The people retorted [to Jesus], "You Samaritan devil! Didn't we say all along that you were possessed by a demon?" "No," Jesus said, "I have no demon in me. For I honor my Father — and you dishonor me. And though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me. He is the true judge."

—John 8:48-50 NLT

Key Thought


So often we succumb to peer pressure because we let the people around us determine our worth in our own eyes. To be labeled as demonized is...

 

[To the Jews, Jesus said,] "So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don't believe me! Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don't you believe me? Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don't listen because you don't belong to God."

—John 8:45-47 NLT

Key Thought


God is the true Father of all people who look to his Son for their salvation. They listen to Jesus and do what he says...

 

[To the Jews, Jesus said,] "No, you are imitating your real father." They replied, "We aren't illegitimate children! God himself is our true Father." Jesus told them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. Why can't you understand what I am saying? It's because you can't even hear me! For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from...

 

[Jesus said,] "Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because there's no room in your hearts for my message. I am telling you what I saw when I was with my Father. But you are following the advice of your father." "Our father is Abraham!" they declared. "No," Jesus replied, "for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example. Instead, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard...

 

[Jesus said,] "A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free."

—John 8:35-36 NLT

Key Thought


Salvation involves two great realities: 1) We are set free from our sins, and 2) we are adopted into God's family and become his children. Jesus is not only our Savior and Lord; he is also our older brother. God is not just the Almighty; he is also Abba Father. In Jesus, we are...

 

"But we are descendants of Abraham," [the Jews] said. "We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, 'You will be set free'?" Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin."

—John 8:33-34 NLT

Key Thought


Sin captures us. Sin enslaves us. Sin abuses us. Sin brings us to death. When sin infects us and takes root, it becomes addictive and destructive. If we are going to enjoy the freedom the Lord longs to give us, then we must...

 

Then many who heard [Jesus] say these things believed in him. Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

—John 8:30-32 NLT

Key Thought


What is the secret to knowing the truth? Doing what Jesus says! It isn't in discovering a new idea, coming up with a new plan, or going in search of some lost mystery. Knowing the truth is found in...

 

[Jesus said,] "And the one who sent me is with me — he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him."

—John 8:29 NLT

Key Thought


The premarital counselor gave me this advice: "Never say 'you never,' 'you always,' or 'you're just like your mother.'" None of us does "always" very well! We usually use it to exaggerate and emphasize something, or we use it as a put-down. But for Jesus, "always" fits. He does what is pleasing to God no matter the public...