February 10th, Tuesday: John chaps. 7-8

John 7

We'll see how the world thinks.

Because He was doing His Father's will, Jesus lived on a divine timetable.

And so should we – that's the point!

The world does not understand this, and will give you advice contrary to God's will.

Be on your guard,. and guard your heart.

Live on God's schedule and you'll always have God's help.

We'll see how the world decides.

This discussion reveals the confusion and unbelief of the people.

Some were for Him because of His miracles.

While others opposed Him because He broke the Sabbath laws, or supposedly broke the Sabbath laws.

Some will see what their leaders will do.

And the leaders wanted to kill Him.

They were judging by appearances and going astray.

We'll see what the world needs.

One ritual during the Feast of Tabernacles was the pouring out of water in the Temple.

It was a reminder that God gave Israel water in the wilderness.

Water for drinking, pictures the Holy Spirit, who is given to those who trust Christ.

The world is thirsty and can find its thirst quenched only by coming to Christ.

John 8

Condemnation.

The woman was guilty, but where was the man in the story?

Both of them deserved to die.

It was a trap, and Jesus knew it when they brought the woman caught in adultery to Him.

But He ended up trapping the trappers.

Did He write on the ground to remind them that He had written the Law, or perhaps exposed their sins?

Here's our wonderful assurance, 'There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.'

We'll read about illumination.

The religious leaders did not know where they were going, or where He was going.

Because they were completely in the dark spiritually.

They had the light of the law and of conscience, but they did not have the light of life.

Consequently they did not know the Father or understand what Jesus taught them.

We'll learn about liberation.

The people were in bondage to Rome and to the Law of Moses.

Yet they said they were free.

In verse 35, Jesus may have been referring to Isaac and Ishmael, since the Jews had mentioned Abraham..

See, the Son makes you free – so trust Him and follow Him.

His truth sets you free, so study it, believe it and obey it.

Satan imposes slavery that seems like freedom.

Jesus gives you a yoke that sets you free!

Now there is no record that Jesus ever called the tax collectors and sinners, 'children of the devil.'

He reserved that title for the hypocritical Pharisees.

By nature, we're all children of wrath, as described in Scripture

By choice, we've become children of disobedience.

When you receive Jesus Christ however, you become a child of God.

But if you reject Christ and have a false righteousness, you're in danger of becoming a child of the devil, for Satan is an imitator.

If Satan becomes your father, hell will be your home.

If Jesus is your Lord, heaven will be your eternal destiny.