February 19 Five Lessons

John 8:13-20 The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.” 14 Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16 But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. 18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.” 19 Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”  20 He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his time had not yet come.  
 
AS Jesus has just declared, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) in the temple courts, the Pharisees want proof of his self-testimony. After all, he is claiming he is YHWH – the almighty creator God. In Jesus’ response, here are five lessons we can learn of the Christian life.
   First, a Christian must know Jesus is the only authority who can teach us of himself. Human beings teach one another, but we all have a limited knowledge of God. We must accept Jesus’ words of his identity as complete truth. Arguing with Jesus, as many “theologians” and others have done throughout history only detracts from God’s holy nature. Faithfully, know God is more than your mind can fully conceive.
   Second, Christians must not put Jesus is on trial. The Pharisees relied on the law to discredit Jesus. The law did require two witnesses to authenticate another person’s testimony. But the Pharisees were putting Jesus on the same level as a human on trial. They looked to the law to discredit Jesus instead of using the law to define Jesus. Christian living means we do not put Jesus on trial, blaming him for grief and brokenness. Christians humbly live under Jesus’ providence.
   Third, the Father affirms Jesus. The prophets proclaim the Messiah’s coming. God speak his approval at Jesus’ baptism. Recognize the Father’s voice at Jesus’ Transfiguration. Know Jesus acts under the Father’s will. A Christian faith understands the Father testifies for the Son.
   Fourth, Christians must know God’s will was for Jesus to minister for a particular time. I believe this is the third time in the last two chapters that John confirms Jesus could have easily been arrested. The time would come but not here. The Christian life accepts God’s timing for all events. Be still and know your life is in God’s hand.
   Five, Jesus knows where he comes from and where he is going. Christians must know your faith comes from God, and you are going to heaven. Think about this. How does this impact your life?
 
Prayer: Thank you, God, for showing us your truth here. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Help me to live faithfully, trusting you always. Amen.