John 8:48-59

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Lord Clearly Claims that He Is Fully God

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The Lord Jesus is incredibly gracious

  2. The Lord Jesus claimed full deity.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Getting glory for ourselves is not our responsibility.

  2. Getting to know Him is our responsibility.

QUESTIONS

  1. How did the Pharisees attack Jesus?

  2. How did the Pharisees accuse Jesus?

  3. What did these accusations mean?

  4. How did the Lord handle these accusations?

  5. Did the Jews try to stone Jesus for some minor theological charge?

  6. What could John 8:51 have meant to the accusers?

  7. Did the Lord say that Abraham had seen Him?

  8. When did Jesus reveal Himself by the divine title used of God alone in the Old Testament?

ANSWERS

  1. First with words, then physically with stones

  2. They accused Him of being a Samaritan and of having a demon.

  3. To be called a Samaritan by the Jews was the same as being called a heretic, and to be accused of having a demon was like being considered insane.

  4. He denied the slanderous charges, stated the truth, and then moved on.

  5. No. They would have stoned Him for blasphemy, His claim to be God.

  6. It could have meant their salvation. If they had believed the words of the Lord Jesus, they would not be condemned.

  7. No. Rather, Abraham said that he rejoiced to see “His day.” Note the Messianic promise in Genesis 12:3 and the indication that Abraham had seen the promise afar off (Hebrews 11:13).

  8. When He said, “Before Abraham was, I AM” John 8:58. This was the way God revealed Himself to Moses in that burning bush experience (Exodus 3:13-14).

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Does it ever bother you when another believer gets honor above you? How should you handle this? See 1 Peter 5:6 and Proverbs 27:2.

CHALLENGE

  1. As a believer, how well do you know God? Remember that obedience is a key to knowing Him.

KEY VERSES

  • “I do not seek My own glory.” John 8.50

  • “Jesus said, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.’” John 8.51-52

  • “Jesus said, ‘Most assuredly I say to you, Before Abraham was, I AM.’” John 8.58