“The Fulfillment”


BIBLE READING: John 7-8
DISCUSSION                                                               
                One of the aspects of Jesus that the Jews found very difficult to accept was the pre-existence of Christ.   In the beginning of his gospel, John tries to help us come to a clearer understanding in the first few verses.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God…and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1:1-2, 14).  As we read this today it is easier for us to understand and accept because we have the Will of God in its entirety laid out for us with the Scriptures.  However, for the first century participant, Jesus had to fuller clarify so that they would fully understand it.  He takes an opportunity to do that within the reading for the day.   In John 8, the Jews are expressing doubt in Jesus, to the point of claiming He is possessed by a demon.  Jesus replies that He doesn’t have a demon, but rather He is just honoring His Father.  If they wish to do the same, they can keep His word and then they will never taste death.  Their response is a classic one “Now we know that you have a demon!  Abraham died as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died!” (John 8.52-53).  Now before we begin to criticize them, remember this is the first century and they have had many others who have claimed to be the Messiah.  Even though, none of those who had made that claim were able to do anything close to what Jesus was doing, it seems like a very rational line of thinking for a first century Jew.  Jesus’ reply is nothing short of brilliant.  “Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, 'He is our God.' But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him, and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad." So, the Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." (John 8:54-58)   You can imagine how this may have upset them at first; they pick up stones to stone him.  Yet, as time will show to many of them, Jesus was exactly right.  Jesus was the fulfillment of Abraham’s Promise.   These Jew’s had lived their entire life holding true to a promise and ancestry that would bring them salvation and peace yet wasn’t willing to accept it when they were face to face with its fulfillment.  Today, many people still try to ignore all the evidence that points to the validity of Jesus being the Messiah.  I pray that we can learn from Jesus’ comments to these Jews, so that we don’t make the same mistake that they did.
Prayer Requests:___________________________________________________________________________________


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Colors of Christmas: Green

  Discussion:                                    Evergreen plants, like holly and mistletoe have been used for thousands of years to decorate and brighten up buildings during the long dark winter. They also reminded people that spring would come and winter wouldn't last forever! The Romans would exchange evergreen branches during January as a sign of good luck. The ancient Egyptians used to bring palm branches into their houses during the mid-winter festivals. In many parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, “paradise plays” were performed, often on Christmas Eve. They told Bible stories to people who couldn't read. “The Paradise Tree” in the Garden of Eden in the play was normally a pine tree with red apples tied to it. Today, think about the newness of life we have because we are in Christ. The old man could represent the dark winter and the barren trees. Then think of the bright Christmas trees that are so easily seen! … Help brighten someone’s life this week! Inform
Read more

“Prepare for Happiness”

  DISCUSSION:                                    Just recently we have seen the devastation that can result from hurricanes, earthquakes, and fire. According to the show on National Geographic channel “Doomsday Preppers” there are a lot of people over the country stocking up on supplies in the hope of being able to survive (months) a natural disaster or power grid failure. Many agree with this philosophy. Who could argue that it is a smart idea to be prepared? As a provider we should take reasonable measures to have our family prepared for hard times both mentally and physically. In this life, Christians have something more precious to protect than material things. Preparing our souls for eternity is much more important. We have been promised a gift that nothing can compare to, a home not made with hands (2Corinthians 5:1). So even if disasters come our way, we can be sure God will take care of His children. As a Christian we have a peace of mind from our faith in God’s word and beli
Read more

“Blow-out in Boston”

BIBLE READING: Luke 14 DISCUSSION                                                                                       Boston Globe's account in June 1990 of a most unusual wedding banquet… Accompanied by her fiancé, a woman went to the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Boston and ordered the meal. The two of them poured over the menu, made selections of china and silver, and pointed to pictures of the flower arrangements they liked. They both had expensive taste, and the bill came to $13,000. After leaving a check for half that amount as down payment, the couple went home to flip through books of wedding announcements. The day the announcements were supposed to hit the mailbox, the groom got cold feet. "I'm just not sure," he said. "It's a big commitment. Let's think about this a little longer." When his angry fiancé returned to the Hyatt to cancel the banquet, the manager could not have been more understanding. However, concerning the refund, she h
Read more