1 00:00:00,400 --> 00:00:03,080 Speaker 1: If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, 2 00:00:03,640 --> 00:00:11,580 Speaker 1: they deceive themselves. Galatians 6.3 Heavenly Father, we come before 3 00:00:11,600 --> 00:00:17,310 Speaker 1: you with grateful hearts, acknowledging your infinite wisdom and grace. 4 00:00:19,170 --> 00:00:23,730 Speaker 1: We humbly admit our need for you and recognize that 5 00:00:24,030 --> 00:00:27,670 Speaker 1: all we are and have is because of your goodness. 6 00:00:29,100 --> 00:00:32,740 Speaker 1: Help us to see ourselves through the lens of your holiness, 7 00:00:34,000 --> 00:00:37,680 Speaker 1: not in self-condemnation, but in the truth of your love 8 00:00:38,180 --> 00:00:43,320 Speaker 1: and mercy. Grant us the humility to understand our place 9 00:00:43,720 --> 00:00:48,880 Speaker 1: in your grand design, lifting you above all else. May 10 00:00:48,920 --> 00:00:54,290 Speaker 1: we never be deceived by pride, but instead be filled 11 00:00:54,350 --> 00:00:59,760 Speaker 1: with awe at your majesty. Transform our hearts, Lord, so 12 00:00:59,800 --> 00:01:02,950 Speaker 1: that we seek to glorify you in all we do. 13 00:01:03,970 --> 00:01:09,950 Speaker 1: Strengthen us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly 14 00:01:10,370 --> 00:01:14,070 Speaker 1: with you. Empower us to be a force for good, 15 00:01:14,950 --> 00:01:20,810 Speaker 1: reflecting your light in our families, communities, and beyond. In Jesus' 16 00:01:20,850 --> 00:01:21,789 Speaker 1: name we pray. 17 00:01:22,630 --> 00:01:22,910 Speaker 2: Amen. 18 00:01:24,810 --> 00:01:28,020 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 19 00:01:28,040 --> 00:01:34,250 Speaker 1: The Jesus Podcast. Stories inspired by the gospel to entertain, enlighten, 20 00:01:34,810 --> 00:01:39,470 Speaker 1: and encourage. Be sure to follow this podcast on whatever 21 00:01:39,560 --> 00:01:46,260 Speaker 1: platform you're listening to. Jesus and the disciples were invited 22 00:01:46,319 --> 00:01:49,140 Speaker 1: to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles with some of the 23 00:01:49,180 --> 00:01:53,040 Speaker 1: people in Jerusalem who had heard Jesus teach and believed. 24 00:01:54,160 --> 00:01:58,180 Speaker 1: They made their way through the winding streets. The warm 25 00:01:58,280 --> 00:02:04,350 Speaker 1: glow of lamps illuminated cloth curtains covering the windows. Each 26 00:02:04,410 --> 00:02:09,650 Speaker 1: house murmured with the celebrations within. Jesus pointed to the 27 00:02:09,690 --> 00:02:11,070 Speaker 1: house on the corner of the street. 28 00:02:11,630 --> 00:02:12,870 Speaker 3: I believe this is the place. 29 00:02:13,570 --> 00:02:17,510 Speaker 1: Jesus pushed open the door. Music poured out as the 30 00:02:17,560 --> 00:02:22,800 Speaker 1: disciples filled in through the doorway. Around the room, men 31 00:02:23,060 --> 00:02:28,920 Speaker 1: and women were laughing, singing, and playing instruments. A man 32 00:02:28,980 --> 00:02:32,829 Speaker 1: greeted with raised arms and a beaming smile. 33 00:02:33,250 --> 00:02:38,120 Speaker 4: Shalom, shalom. We weren't sure if you would come. Thank 34 00:02:38,139 --> 00:02:39,500 Speaker 4: you for joining us tonight. 35 00:02:40,040 --> 00:02:43,120 Speaker 5: Shalom, shalom, friend. By the looks of it, this is 36 00:02:43,180 --> 00:02:45,760 Speaker 5: the place to be tonight. I can only assume you're 37 00:02:45,780 --> 00:02:47,080 Speaker 5: the one who invited us, yes? 38 00:02:47,620 --> 00:02:51,000 Speaker 4: Oh, yes. I'm Michael. Some of us heard you would 39 00:02:51,040 --> 00:02:53,320 Speaker 4: be in the city for the festival and thought it 40 00:02:53,380 --> 00:02:57,470 Speaker 4: was worth inviting you to our humble celebration. Please come 41 00:02:57,530 --> 00:03:00,230 Speaker 4: and have a seat. There are many here who are 42 00:03:00,270 --> 00:03:01,370 Speaker 4: excited to meet you. 43 00:03:01,790 --> 00:03:04,220 Speaker 1: Michael cleared a few spaces in the center of the 44 00:03:04,260 --> 00:03:08,420 Speaker 1: room for Jesus and the disciples. People were watching them 45 00:03:08,440 --> 00:03:11,579 Speaker 1: through the sides of their eyes, whispering to one another. 46 00:03:12,440 --> 00:03:16,300 Speaker 1: The music had started to die down. It was evident 47 00:03:16,660 --> 00:03:20,070 Speaker 1: that word was spreading about the house, that Jesus was 48 00:03:20,130 --> 00:03:20,649 Speaker 1: in their midst. 49 00:03:21,230 --> 00:03:24,570 Speaker 4: We have heard your teaching from others. Is what you 50 00:03:24,650 --> 00:03:25,370 Speaker 4: say true? 51 00:03:25,389 --> 00:03:28,450 Speaker 5: I have come to speak on my father's behalf. and 52 00:03:28,470 --> 00:03:31,570 Speaker 5: the words I share are true. In fact, I will 53 00:03:31,590 --> 00:03:34,790 Speaker 5: be teaching in the temple courts tomorrow. Why don't you 54 00:03:34,840 --> 00:03:37,080 Speaker 5: come out and make the decision for yourself? 55 00:03:37,880 --> 00:03:41,000 Speaker 1: After the meal, Jesus rose from the table and thanked 56 00:03:41,040 --> 00:03:44,320 Speaker 1: his host. The disciples followed him out the door. 57 00:03:44,940 --> 00:03:49,100 Speaker 5: My friends, tomorrow is going to be a long day. Please, 58 00:03:49,500 --> 00:03:51,520 Speaker 5: go back to the house and get some rest. 59 00:03:52,100 --> 00:03:53,680 Speaker 6: Are you not coming with us, Rabbi? 60 00:03:54,220 --> 00:03:56,900 Speaker 3: I will meet you all in the temple courts. As 61 00:03:56,940 --> 00:03:59,160 Speaker 3: for tonight... I must prepare myself. 62 00:04:03,380 --> 00:04:06,660 Speaker 7: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing? 63 00:04:07,140 --> 00:04:10,700 Speaker 7: It's not your feet. It's your shoes. This summer, switch 64 00:04:10,740 --> 00:04:15,590 Speaker 7: to G-Defy shoes with patented VersoShock technology, which aligns your body, 65 00:04:15,770 --> 00:04:22,229 Speaker 7: provides superior shock absorption, and trampoline-like energy return. 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It starts with self-examination. 74 00:05:08,170 --> 00:05:11,950 Speaker 6: We need to regularly ask ourselves, am I truly abiding 75 00:05:11,990 --> 00:05:15,800 Speaker 6: in Jesus' Word? Am I letting His truth transform me? 76 00:05:16,270 --> 00:05:18,859 Speaker 6: Or am I just going through the motions, saying the 77 00:05:18,920 --> 00:05:21,880 Speaker 6: right things but not living them out? This is the 78 00:05:21,940 --> 00:05:26,789 Speaker 6: Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com. Today, we continue through 79 00:05:26,810 --> 00:05:30,570 Speaker 6: our mini-series on Jesus disrupting the status quo and showing 80 00:05:30,650 --> 00:05:34,469 Speaker 6: us a new way to live. This series showcases Jesus' 81 00:05:34,550 --> 00:05:37,710 Speaker 6: teachings and passion, and we will learn about God's heart 82 00:05:37,750 --> 00:05:40,950 Speaker 6: for people and for His kingdom. Today, we're going to 83 00:05:40,990 --> 00:05:45,279 Speaker 6: dive into a powerful passage from John 8, verses 31-59, 84 00:05:46,460 --> 00:05:49,580 Speaker 6: where Jesus calls out the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. 85 00:05:50,160 --> 00:05:53,530 Speaker 6: It's a story that challenges us to look inward, to 86 00:05:53,690 --> 00:05:57,470 Speaker 6: examine our own hearts, and to guard against the ever-present 87 00:05:57,529 --> 00:05:59,650 Speaker 6: danger of becoming hypocrites ourselves. 88 00:06:02,610 --> 00:06:06,909 Speaker 1: At dawn, Jesus strode into the temple courtyard. He found 89 00:06:06,970 --> 00:06:09,680 Speaker 1: a seat a few paces away from the offering boxes. 90 00:06:10,680 --> 00:06:14,160 Speaker 1: The sound of coins falling into the receptacles could be 91 00:06:14,200 --> 00:06:18,080 Speaker 1: heard faintly under the noise of many feet parading about. 92 00:06:19,089 --> 00:06:23,190 Speaker 1: a sea of colorful robes flowing through the courtyard as 93 00:06:23,290 --> 00:06:27,630 Speaker 1: men and women came in and out to worship. Some 94 00:06:27,690 --> 00:06:30,570 Speaker 1: of them had stopped to form a circle around Jesus 95 00:06:31,070 --> 00:06:31,850 Speaker 1: to hear him teach. 96 00:06:32,650 --> 00:06:34,150 Speaker 3: I am the light of the world. 97 00:06:34,830 --> 00:06:37,050 Speaker 5: Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness. 98 00:06:37,740 --> 00:06:39,440 Speaker 3: But will have the light of life. 99 00:06:40,120 --> 00:06:43,000 Speaker 1: At the innermost edge of the gathering stood a group 100 00:06:43,180 --> 00:06:48,650 Speaker 1: of Pharisees. Their demeanor spoke of their disgust for Jesus 101 00:06:48,970 --> 00:06:49,770 Speaker 1: and his teachings. 102 00:06:50,290 --> 00:06:53,599 Speaker 5: Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony 103 00:06:53,650 --> 00:06:57,460 Speaker 5: is strong, for I know where I came from and 104 00:06:57,580 --> 00:06:58,900 Speaker 5: where I am going. 105 00:06:59,540 --> 00:07:00,000 Speaker 4: Follow? 106 00:07:00,620 --> 00:07:03,980 Speaker 2: Who in their right mind would follow you? Here you 107 00:07:04,160 --> 00:07:07,640 Speaker 2: are appearing as your own witness. How can your testimony 108 00:07:07,680 --> 00:07:10,340 Speaker 2: be valid with no one else to support your claims? 109 00:07:11,080 --> 00:07:14,120 Speaker 1: Jesus beat his chest with a clenched fist as he 110 00:07:14,220 --> 00:07:17,590 Speaker 1: spoke these words. They were confused about the meaning of 111 00:07:17,650 --> 00:07:21,590 Speaker 1: his argument. But before they could respond, he pointed his 112 00:07:21,690 --> 00:07:24,710 Speaker 1: finger down the nose of the Pharisee in front of him. 113 00:07:25,210 --> 00:07:27,690 Speaker 5: But you have no idea where I come from or 114 00:07:27,750 --> 00:07:30,790 Speaker 5: where I am going, do you? You judge others by 115 00:07:30,810 --> 00:07:34,770 Speaker 5: whatever human standards please you. But I pass judgment on 116 00:07:35,310 --> 00:07:38,910 Speaker 5: no one. But even if I do judge, my decisions 117 00:07:38,990 --> 00:07:41,390 Speaker 5: are true because I am not alone. 118 00:07:42,090 --> 00:07:47,550 Speaker 1: Jesus directed their attention upward. The cloudless sky was a 119 00:07:47,610 --> 00:07:51,110 Speaker 1: bright blue. Many of the people in the temple courts 120 00:07:51,150 --> 00:07:55,770 Speaker 1: had ceased their activity to listen to Jesus. They did 121 00:07:55,810 --> 00:07:57,790 Speaker 1: their best to follow along closely. 122 00:07:58,570 --> 00:08:01,480 Speaker 5: I stand with the Father who sent me, and in 123 00:08:01,540 --> 00:08:04,780 Speaker 5: your own law it is written that the testimony of 124 00:08:04,880 --> 00:08:08,300 Speaker 5: two witnesses is true. For if I am the first 125 00:08:08,360 --> 00:08:10,140 Speaker 5: witness who testifies for myself. 126 00:08:10,880 --> 00:08:14,160 Speaker 3: My other witness is the Father who sent me. 127 00:08:14,730 --> 00:08:19,170 Speaker 1: His words sent an icy chill down the Pharisees' spines. 128 00:08:20,130 --> 00:08:23,680 Speaker 1: They had known Jesus to address Adonai in such a 129 00:08:23,760 --> 00:08:28,400 Speaker 1: personal manner to their displeasure. The religious leader hissed his 130 00:08:28,480 --> 00:08:29,660 Speaker 1: retort at the rabbi. 131 00:08:30,740 --> 00:08:33,300 Speaker 4: We've heard about your father, Jesus. 132 00:08:33,940 --> 00:08:34,420 Speaker 2: Where is he? 133 00:08:35,179 --> 00:08:36,880 Speaker 6: Can he come to testify? 134 00:08:37,490 --> 00:08:41,090 Speaker 1: Many had heard rumors of Jesus' miraculous birth and the 135 00:08:41,130 --> 00:08:44,309 Speaker 1: near disgrace of his mother. The Pharisees now tried to 136 00:08:44,470 --> 00:08:48,590 Speaker 1: use this against Jesus. But Jesus bellowed. 137 00:08:48,370 --> 00:08:51,870 Speaker 5: Back, You do not know me or my father. If 138 00:08:51,910 --> 00:08:54,970 Speaker 5: you knew me, you would know my father also. 139 00:08:55,690 --> 00:08:58,290 Speaker 1: Jesus held up his hand at the Pharisee before he 140 00:08:58,330 --> 00:09:02,220 Speaker 1: could reply. Then Jesus swiveled his body to the left. 141 00:09:02,840 --> 00:09:05,600 Speaker 1: There sat Michael and some of the believers from the 142 00:09:05,620 --> 00:09:06,160 Speaker 1: night before. 143 00:09:06,660 --> 00:09:08,960 Speaker 5: It has come to my attention that many of you 144 00:09:09,000 --> 00:09:13,210 Speaker 5: have heard me teach and believe my words. But hearing 145 00:09:13,730 --> 00:09:17,790 Speaker 5: is not enough to follow me. You must hear and obey. 146 00:09:18,309 --> 00:09:22,010 Speaker 5: If you hold to my teachings, you too are truly 147 00:09:22,070 --> 00:09:22,910 Speaker 5: my disciples. 148 00:09:23,770 --> 00:09:27,530 Speaker 3: For my disciples know the truth, and the truth will 149 00:09:27,550 --> 00:09:28,270 Speaker 3: set you free. 150 00:09:28,830 --> 00:09:30,670 Speaker 1: Michael spoke on behalf of his group. 151 00:09:31,330 --> 00:09:36,410 Speaker 4: Rabbi, what freedom do you speak of? We are Abraham's descendants, 152 00:09:36,530 --> 00:09:38,830 Speaker 4: and we have never been slaves of anyone. 153 00:09:39,460 --> 00:09:43,240 Speaker 5: Your mind is thinking in earthly terms, but I speak 154 00:09:43,280 --> 00:09:47,679 Speaker 5: of spiritual slavery. You see, everyone who sins is a 155 00:09:47,820 --> 00:09:48,840 Speaker 5: slave to sin. 156 00:09:49,400 --> 00:09:52,310 Speaker 4: How can we be free of this slavery to sin? 157 00:09:52,809 --> 00:09:56,050 Speaker 5: Think of it like this. A slave has no permanent 158 00:09:56,110 --> 00:10:00,220 Speaker 5: place in the family, but a son, a son. on 159 00:10:00,250 --> 00:10:04,080 Speaker 5: the other hand belongs to the family forever so if 160 00:10:04,120 --> 00:10:07,340 Speaker 5: the son sets you free you will be free. 161 00:10:07,220 --> 00:10:12,060 Speaker 1: Indeed the pharisees gasped at jesus illustration. 162 00:10:13,000 --> 00:10:15,839 Speaker 2: Does being a descendant of abraham mean nothing to you 163 00:10:16,600 --> 00:10:20,030 Speaker 2: surely we are already part of god's family Yet you 164 00:10:20,070 --> 00:10:21,240 Speaker 2: call us slaves? 165 00:10:21,860 --> 00:10:25,280 Speaker 5: I know that you are Abraham's descendants, born of his line. 166 00:10:26,020 --> 00:10:28,220 Speaker 5: Yet you are looking for a way to kill me 167 00:10:28,280 --> 00:10:30,640 Speaker 5: because you have made no room for my word in 168 00:10:30,660 --> 00:10:34,429 Speaker 5: your heart. Everything I tell you, I have seen in 169 00:10:34,610 --> 00:10:39,010 Speaker 5: the Father's presence. But you, you are doing what you 170 00:10:39,030 --> 00:10:40,550 Speaker 5: have heard from your father. 171 00:10:41,190 --> 00:10:42,890 Speaker 2: Abraham is our father. 172 00:10:43,470 --> 00:10:47,900 Speaker 1: The Pharisee responded through gritted teeth. His hands were tightly 173 00:10:48,080 --> 00:10:50,720 Speaker 1: wound into fists under the sleeves. 174 00:10:50,400 --> 00:10:51,020 Speaker 3: Of his robes. 175 00:10:51,540 --> 00:10:54,939 Speaker 5: If you were Abraham's children, then you would do what 176 00:10:55,100 --> 00:10:58,390 Speaker 5: Abraham did when he worshipped God for the promise of 177 00:10:58,429 --> 00:11:01,410 Speaker 5: the seed. But look at you. You are looking for 178 00:11:01,429 --> 00:11:03,870 Speaker 5: a way to kill me. A man who has told 179 00:11:03,910 --> 00:11:06,530 Speaker 5: you nothing but the truth that I heard from God himself. 180 00:11:07,390 --> 00:11:12,540 Speaker 3: Abraham did not do such things. No, no. You are 181 00:11:12,580 --> 00:11:15,420 Speaker 3: doing the works of your own father. 182 00:11:16,130 --> 00:11:21,370 Speaker 2: We are not illegitimate children. The only father we have 183 00:11:21,710 --> 00:11:22,650 Speaker 2: is God himself. 184 00:11:23,309 --> 00:11:27,170 Speaker 1: Again, the Pharisees were attacking Jesus' lineage and the claim 185 00:11:27,210 --> 00:11:31,250 Speaker 1: of his miraculous conception. But Jesus took no mind to 186 00:11:31,290 --> 00:11:34,210 Speaker 1: their insults. He didn't need their approval. 187 00:11:34,790 --> 00:11:37,980 Speaker 5: If God were your father, you would love me, for 188 00:11:38,100 --> 00:11:41,480 Speaker 5: I have come here from God. I have not come 189 00:11:41,540 --> 00:11:45,840 Speaker 5: on my own. God sent me. So why don't you 190 00:11:45,900 --> 00:11:50,210 Speaker 5: understand and believe? It's not because I'm not clear, but 191 00:11:50,230 --> 00:11:55,170 Speaker 5: because you are unable to hear what I say. You 192 00:11:55,309 --> 00:12:00,710 Speaker 5: have shut off your ears because you belong to your father, 193 00:12:01,190 --> 00:12:07,640 Speaker 5: the devil. And you want, you actually want to carry 194 00:12:07,740 --> 00:12:10,359 Speaker 5: out your father's desires. 195 00:12:10,900 --> 00:12:15,819 Speaker 1: The Pharisee's blood boiled. He turned and whispered a command 196 00:12:15,880 --> 00:12:19,120 Speaker 1: to one of the temple guards. The guard rallied some 197 00:12:19,160 --> 00:12:23,480 Speaker 1: of his companions and quickly headed down the colonnades. Jesus 198 00:12:23,559 --> 00:12:26,070 Speaker 1: watched their departure as he continued speaking. 199 00:12:26,710 --> 00:12:29,650 Speaker 5: He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to 200 00:12:29,690 --> 00:12:30,130 Speaker 5: the truth. 201 00:12:30,770 --> 00:12:31,810 Speaker 3: But there is no. 202 00:12:31,670 --> 00:12:32,370 Speaker 5: Truth in him. 203 00:12:32,830 --> 00:12:36,740 Speaker 3: When he lies, he speaks his native tongue. 204 00:12:37,600 --> 00:12:41,360 Speaker 5: Not only is he a liar, he is the father 205 00:12:41,679 --> 00:12:45,740 Speaker 5: of all lies. And as your father tells you lies, 206 00:12:46,100 --> 00:12:47,719 Speaker 5: you listen to him. 207 00:12:48,320 --> 00:12:51,110 Speaker 3: Yet I tell you the truth, and you do not 208 00:12:51,179 --> 00:12:51,969 Speaker 3: believe me. 209 00:12:52,470 --> 00:12:54,829 Speaker 2: And how do we know you're not the liar? 210 00:12:55,190 --> 00:12:57,969 Speaker 5: Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? Just 211 00:12:58,010 --> 00:13:00,050 Speaker 5: because you don't believe me doesn't mean I don't tell 212 00:13:00,090 --> 00:13:03,630 Speaker 5: the truth. I speak what the father has told me 213 00:13:03,670 --> 00:13:08,660 Speaker 5: to speak. Whoever belongs to God Here's what God says. 214 00:13:09,360 --> 00:13:11,800 Speaker 5: The reason you do not hear is that you do 215 00:13:11,850 --> 00:13:12,930 Speaker 5: not belong to God. 216 00:13:13,390 --> 00:13:18,929 Speaker 1: The tension was palpable. Both parties were relentless and unmoving 217 00:13:19,110 --> 00:13:22,550 Speaker 1: in their stances. But it was clear that Jesus was 218 00:13:22,630 --> 00:13:25,959 Speaker 1: getting under the skin of the Pharisees. Though he spoke 219 00:13:26,059 --> 00:13:30,780 Speaker 1: confidently and directly, his temper never seemed to flare out 220 00:13:30,820 --> 00:13:34,880 Speaker 1: of control. The Pharisees tried to redirect the conversation. with 221 00:13:34,940 --> 00:13:38,800 Speaker 1: what they believed would be a more compelling accusation to 222 00:13:38,820 --> 00:13:39,260 Speaker 1: the crowd. 223 00:13:41,000 --> 00:13:44,280 Speaker 2: Aren't we right in saying that you are a Samaritan 224 00:13:44,300 --> 00:13:45,500 Speaker 2: and demon-possessed? 225 00:13:46,880 --> 00:13:48,920 Speaker 5: You say it as one who now speaks the truth. 226 00:13:49,720 --> 00:13:51,339 Speaker 3: A demon does not possess me. 227 00:13:52,179 --> 00:13:54,800 Speaker 5: Would a man possessed by demons honor the Father as 228 00:13:54,920 --> 00:14:00,020 Speaker 5: I have? But you stand here and dishonor me, even 229 00:14:00,080 --> 00:14:03,470 Speaker 5: though I am not seeking glory for myself. but there 230 00:14:03,610 --> 00:14:08,870 Speaker 5: is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. Truly, 231 00:14:09,429 --> 00:14:13,070 Speaker 5: I tell you that whoever obeys my word will never 232 00:14:13,670 --> 00:14:14,970 Speaker 5: see death. 233 00:14:15,610 --> 00:14:19,190 Speaker 1: As Jesus said this, the temple guards returned with a 234 00:14:19,210 --> 00:14:22,870 Speaker 1: wooden cart. It was covered with a large piece of linen, 235 00:14:23,480 --> 00:14:29,020 Speaker 1: hiding the contents within. The Pharisees puffed up their chests 236 00:14:29,360 --> 00:14:30,000 Speaker 1: in outrage. 237 00:14:30,730 --> 00:14:34,350 Speaker 2: Now we know without a doubt that you are demon-possessed. 238 00:14:35,290 --> 00:14:39,940 Speaker 2: You say whoever obeys your word will never taste death. 239 00:14:40,740 --> 00:14:43,820 Speaker 2: But there is no denying that Abraham died, along with 240 00:14:43,860 --> 00:14:47,100 Speaker 2: all the prophets. Do you dare say that you are 241 00:14:47,160 --> 00:14:50,040 Speaker 2: greater than our father, Abraham? 242 00:14:51,390 --> 00:14:52,750 Speaker 6: Who do you think you are? 243 00:14:53,290 --> 00:14:56,410 Speaker 5: You ask me of my greatness, but my glory would 244 00:14:56,450 --> 00:14:58,230 Speaker 5: mean nothing if I glorified myself. 245 00:14:59,250 --> 00:15:04,890 Speaker 3: My father, who you claim to be your God, glorifies me. 246 00:15:05,410 --> 00:15:09,510 Speaker 5: Again, I say that you do not know him. I 247 00:15:09,550 --> 00:15:11,729 Speaker 5: could also say that I don't know him, but that 248 00:15:11,770 --> 00:15:12,370 Speaker 5: would make me. 249 00:15:12,290 --> 00:15:13,230 Speaker 3: A liar like you. 250 00:15:13,790 --> 00:15:18,290 Speaker 5: I do know him, and I obey his word. If 251 00:15:18,590 --> 00:15:22,170 Speaker 5: only you knew who I was. For your father Abraham 252 00:15:22,230 --> 00:15:25,510 Speaker 5: rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day come. Even 253 00:15:25,730 --> 00:15:26,430 Speaker 5: he knew of. 254 00:15:26,410 --> 00:15:28,910 Speaker 3: My greatness and was glad to see it. 255 00:15:30,010 --> 00:15:33,300 Speaker 2: You aren't even 50 years old. How could you have 256 00:15:33,380 --> 00:15:35,060 Speaker 2: possibly seen Abraham? 257 00:15:35,640 --> 00:15:39,520 Speaker 1: Jesus stood tall. He glanced around at the crowd that 258 00:15:39,560 --> 00:15:44,620 Speaker 1: had grown since he had started preaching. Jesus stared intensely 259 00:15:45,060 --> 00:15:45,780 Speaker 1: at the Pharisees. 260 00:15:46,380 --> 00:15:50,960 Speaker 5: Very truly, I tell you this. Before Abraham was born, 261 00:15:52,060 --> 00:15:53,540 Speaker 5: I am. 262 00:15:54,220 --> 00:15:59,640 Speaker 1: Jesus' words rumbled like rolling thunder. shaking the hearts of 263 00:15:59,940 --> 00:16:05,110 Speaker 1: everyone present. The Pharisees took a step back in unbelief. 264 00:16:06,660 --> 00:16:09,770 Speaker 1: They hastily turned to the cart beside them and tore 265 00:16:09,830 --> 00:16:14,810 Speaker 1: the fabric covering, revealing a large pile of stones. One 266 00:16:14,910 --> 00:16:18,610 Speaker 1: by one, the Pharisees filled their hands with the stones. 267 00:16:20,110 --> 00:16:25,050 Speaker 1: Perceiving the gravity of the situation, the disciples quickly surrounded Jesus, 268 00:16:25,870 --> 00:16:27,370 Speaker 1: blending him into the crowd. 269 00:16:27,930 --> 00:16:31,489 Speaker 2: Where is he? Where is Jesus of Nazareth? 270 00:16:32,850 --> 00:16:35,400 Speaker 1: No one in the crowd moved or said a word. 271 00:16:36,580 --> 00:16:39,300 Speaker 1: They were all too astonished at the teaching they had 272 00:16:39,340 --> 00:16:44,800 Speaker 1: just heard. Jesus and the disciples slipped through the bustling 273 00:16:44,880 --> 00:16:49,790 Speaker 1: courtyard into the safety of the city streets. The disciples 274 00:16:49,890 --> 00:16:53,550 Speaker 1: stared at each other with wide eyes as they caught 275 00:16:53,590 --> 00:16:57,609 Speaker 1: their breath. They couldn't believe that they had made it 276 00:16:57,730 --> 00:17:04,120 Speaker 1: out alive. Unable to fathom all that had happened, they 277 00:17:04,200 --> 00:17:10,359 Speaker 1: burst out with laughter to stop themselves from panicking. They 278 00:17:10,420 --> 00:17:14,340 Speaker 1: were even alarmed by the truths Jesus shared. It was 279 00:17:14,420 --> 00:17:18,169 Speaker 1: evident to them that he was everything he said he was. 280 00:17:19,950 --> 00:17:23,550 Speaker 1: Just as the Son of God defended the Father before men, 281 00:17:23,570 --> 00:17:29,180 Speaker 1: they now knew that the Father was defending the Son. 282 00:17:32,160 --> 00:17:35,260 Speaker 6: Let's start by setting the scene. Jesus is speaking to 283 00:17:35,300 --> 00:17:37,640 Speaker 6: a group of Jews who had begun to believe in him. 284 00:17:38,100 --> 00:17:41,220 Speaker 6: But as he continues to teach, it becomes clear that 285 00:17:41,340 --> 00:17:45,419 Speaker 6: their belief is only superficial. They like the idea of Jesus, 286 00:17:45,920 --> 00:17:48,470 Speaker 6: but they're not ready to embrace the deeper truth of 287 00:17:48,510 --> 00:17:52,149 Speaker 6: his message. Jesus begins by saying, If you abide in 288 00:17:52,190 --> 00:17:55,270 Speaker 6: my word, you are my disciples indeed, and you shall 289 00:17:55,330 --> 00:17:57,840 Speaker 6: know the truth and the truth shall make you free. 290 00:17:58,340 --> 00:18:03,150 Speaker 6: John chapter 8, verses 31 and 32. It's a beautiful promise, 291 00:18:03,490 --> 00:18:07,609 Speaker 6: but notice that it's conditional. If you abide in my word. 292 00:18:08,010 --> 00:18:11,150 Speaker 6: Jesus is calling for more than a passing interest. He's 293 00:18:11,190 --> 00:18:15,020 Speaker 6: calling for a deep, committed relationship with his word. But 294 00:18:15,119 --> 00:18:18,179 Speaker 6: the response from the crowd is telling. They say, we 295 00:18:18,220 --> 00:18:21,419 Speaker 6: are Abraham's descendants and have never been in bondage to anyone. 296 00:18:21,720 --> 00:18:24,440 Speaker 6: How can you say you will be made free? John 297 00:18:24,480 --> 00:18:29,170 Speaker 6: chapter 8, verse 33. It's a shocking statement considering their history. 298 00:18:29,490 --> 00:18:32,629 Speaker 6: The Jews had been in bondage in Egypt, under the Babylonians, 299 00:18:32,930 --> 00:18:36,250 Speaker 6: and now under Roman rule, yet they claim they've never 300 00:18:36,310 --> 00:18:40,150 Speaker 6: been in bondage. Here we see the first signs of hypocrisy, 301 00:18:40,530 --> 00:18:43,810 Speaker 6: this disconnect between their words and reality, and it's a 302 00:18:43,850 --> 00:18:46,770 Speaker 6: good reminder for us. How often do we claim to 303 00:18:46,810 --> 00:18:50,109 Speaker 6: be free, all the while being held captive by our 304 00:18:50,190 --> 00:18:53,869 Speaker 6: own sins, our habits, our fears? We need to be 305 00:18:53,930 --> 00:18:57,320 Speaker 6: careful not to fall into the same trap of self-deception. 306 00:18:57,900 --> 00:19:01,040 Speaker 6: Jesus responds by saying, Most assuredly, I say to you, 307 00:19:01,480 --> 00:19:06,420 Speaker 6: whoever commits sin is a slave to sin. John 8.34 308 00:19:06,480 --> 00:19:10,359 Speaker 6: It's a reminder that true freedom isn't about outward circumstances. 309 00:19:10,940 --> 00:19:13,600 Speaker 6: It's about the condition of our hearts. We can be 310 00:19:13,619 --> 00:19:17,020 Speaker 6: in the freest of societies, but if we're living in sin, 311 00:19:17,560 --> 00:19:22,609 Speaker 6: we're not truly free. John 8.36 But here's the good news. 312 00:19:23,330 --> 00:19:27,230 Speaker 6: Jesus also says, Therefore, if the Son makes you free, 313 00:19:27,750 --> 00:19:33,260 Speaker 6: you shall be free indeed. John 8.36 True freedom comes 314 00:19:33,320 --> 00:19:36,480 Speaker 6: from a relationship with Jesus, from abiding in His Word 315 00:19:36,859 --> 00:19:40,139 Speaker 6: and letting His truth transform us from the inside out. 316 00:19:40,680 --> 00:19:44,230 Speaker 6: This is where hypocrisy often takes root. We can easily 317 00:19:44,270 --> 00:19:47,290 Speaker 6: get caught up in outward appearances and looking good on 318 00:19:47,330 --> 00:19:50,990 Speaker 6: the outside while ignoring the condition of our hearts. We 319 00:19:51,040 --> 00:19:53,840 Speaker 6: might be like the religious leaders, quick to claim we're 320 00:19:53,960 --> 00:19:56,880 Speaker 6: children of Abraham, but slow to live out the faith 321 00:19:56,920 --> 00:20:00,600 Speaker 6: of Abraham. We must guard our hearts from getting too haughty, 322 00:20:01,040 --> 00:20:03,700 Speaker 6: thinking we're above it all and out of touch with 323 00:20:03,740 --> 00:20:07,760 Speaker 6: our own sin. As the conversation continues, Jesus makes a 324 00:20:07,880 --> 00:20:10,859 Speaker 6: bold claim. I speak what I have seen with my father, 325 00:20:11,260 --> 00:20:13,300 Speaker 6: and you do what you have seen with your father. 326 00:20:14,060 --> 00:20:17,780 Speaker 6: John 8, verse 38. He's starting to draw a line 327 00:20:17,840 --> 00:20:21,050 Speaker 6: between those who truly follow God and those who only 328 00:20:21,109 --> 00:20:24,810 Speaker 6: claim to. The religious leaders, of course, claim Abraham as 329 00:20:24,850 --> 00:20:28,430 Speaker 6: their father. But Jesus challenges them, saying, If you were 330 00:20:28,510 --> 00:20:32,810 Speaker 6: Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham. John 8, 331 00:20:32,810 --> 00:20:36,190 Speaker 6: verse 39. In other words, it's not enough to claim 332 00:20:36,230 --> 00:20:39,929 Speaker 6: a spiritual heritage. What matters is whether we're living out 333 00:20:39,970 --> 00:20:43,940 Speaker 6: that heritage in our daily lives. Jesus goes even further, 334 00:20:44,320 --> 00:20:47,780 Speaker 6: eventually saying, You are of your father the devil, and 335 00:20:47,800 --> 00:20:51,840 Speaker 6: the desires of your father you want to do. John 8, 336 00:20:51,840 --> 00:20:55,889 Speaker 6: verse 44. That's strong language. But Jesus isn't trying to 337 00:20:55,930 --> 00:20:59,869 Speaker 6: win a popularity contest here. He's speaking the truth in love, 338 00:21:00,510 --> 00:21:03,730 Speaker 6: hoping to shake them out of their self-deception. It's a 339 00:21:03,750 --> 00:21:06,929 Speaker 6: stark reminder for us. We all have the capability to 340 00:21:06,970 --> 00:21:10,260 Speaker 6: be hypocrites. We can claim to follow Christ, but if 341 00:21:10,320 --> 00:21:14,100 Speaker 6: our actions don't match our words, we're fooling ourselves. The 342 00:21:14,140 --> 00:21:17,640 Speaker 6: world doesn't need more people who simply say they're Christians. 343 00:21:18,380 --> 00:21:21,859 Speaker 6: It needs people who live like Christians, who reflect the love, 344 00:21:22,240 --> 00:21:25,460 Speaker 6: the grace, the truth of Jesus in every aspect of 345 00:21:25,500 --> 00:21:29,220 Speaker 6: their lives. So how do we guard against hypocrisy? It 346 00:21:29,280 --> 00:21:33,619 Speaker 6: starts with self-examination. We need to regularly ask ourselves, Am 347 00:21:33,680 --> 00:21:36,700 Speaker 6: I truly abiding in Jesus' Word? Am I letting His 348 00:21:36,800 --> 00:21:40,420 Speaker 6: truth transform me? Or am I just going through the motions, 349 00:21:40,800 --> 00:21:43,960 Speaker 6: saying the right things but not living them out? Spurgeon 350 00:21:44,060 --> 00:21:47,480 Speaker 6: once said, The power of self-deception in the unconverted man 351 00:21:47,660 --> 00:21:51,160 Speaker 6: is infinite. And I would add, even in the converted man, 352 00:21:51,619 --> 00:21:55,240 Speaker 6: the danger of slipping into hypocrisy is always present. We 353 00:21:55,350 --> 00:21:59,590 Speaker 6: must be vigilant, always checking our motives, our actions, and 354 00:21:59,650 --> 00:22:03,369 Speaker 6: our hearts. In the end, Jesus makes a profound statement, 355 00:22:04,109 --> 00:22:09,480 Speaker 6: Before Abraham was, I am. John 8, verse 58. With 356 00:22:09,520 --> 00:22:13,940 Speaker 6: these words, he declares his divinity, his eternal nature, and 357 00:22:14,020 --> 00:22:17,440 Speaker 6: his ultimate authority. The religious leaders couldn't handle this truth, 358 00:22:17,940 --> 00:22:20,179 Speaker 6: and they picked up stones to throw at him, but 359 00:22:20,220 --> 00:22:23,350 Speaker 6: Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. Today, 360 00:22:23,720 --> 00:22:26,810 Speaker 6: let's not be like those leaders who rejected the truth 361 00:22:26,890 --> 00:22:30,830 Speaker 6: because it didn't fit their narrative. Instead, let's embrace the truth, 362 00:22:31,390 --> 00:22:34,709 Speaker 6: even when it's uncomfortable. even when it challenges us. Let 363 00:22:34,750 --> 00:22:37,030 Speaker 6: us be willing to look at our own lives and 364 00:22:37,230 --> 00:22:40,160 Speaker 6: see where we might be falling into hypocrisy. And then, 365 00:22:40,500 --> 00:22:44,040 Speaker 6: let's bring those areas to Jesus, asking Him to transform 366 00:22:44,119 --> 00:22:46,800 Speaker 6: us from the inside out. Because in the end, the 367 00:22:46,859 --> 00:22:50,090 Speaker 6: truth will set us free. And that's a freedom worth 368 00:22:50,130 --> 00:22:50,590 Speaker 6: living for.