John 8:37-47
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
Today’s passage begins in the middle of Jesus’ interaction with the crowds and religious leaders gathered for a Jewish festival in Jerusalem. If you haven’t already, read John 8:21-36. Then read today’s passage, John 8:37-47.
They have come to Jerusalem, the holy city, to commemorate God’s preservation of Israel throughout their forty years of desert wandering. They are here to worship the God of Abraham, yet only a few realize that God has come near to them. He is standing in their midst.
No amount of religious observance can substitute for a genuine search for the living God. We can observe religious holidays, go to worship services, read the Bible and still miss the point. A true search for God will ultimately lead to Jesus. We are born into God’s family through faith in Jesus, and as we grow we are transformed to look more and more like Jesus. If we aren’t in some way beginning to bear the family likeness, it’s unlikely that we have actually become children of God.
Sit in the presence of Jesus and ask him to point out ways that you are becoming like him. If feelings of shame or condemnation arise, recognize that they are not from Jesus and let them pass. Consider asking Jesus to bring about growth in you so you can more closely resemble him.
Read John 8:37-47 again focusing in on these words of Jesus: “Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God.”
Jesus’ teaching leads to freedom, hope, and purpose for life. But Jesus’ teaching isn’t for cowards. The words of God spoken from the mouth of Jesus can be challenging, but they are challenging in the best way possible.
Have you felt challenged by anything you have read or thought about during this time of reflection? Take a moment to think about this and then talk with Jesus about anything that comes to mind.
For the final minutes of this reflection, sit quietly with Jesus and listen.
You may sense that Jesus is inviting you to respond in one way or another. If so, what will you do about that?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
