1 00:00:00,380 --> 00:00:03,059 Speaker 1: If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, 2 00:00:03,620 --> 00:00:11,570 Speaker 1: they deceive themselves. Galatians 6.3 Heavenly Father, we come before 3 00:00:11,610 --> 00:00:17,290 Speaker 1: you with grateful hearts, acknowledging your infinite wisdom and grace. 4 00:00:19,150 --> 00:00:23,710 Speaker 1: We humbly admit our need for you and recognize that 5 00:00:24,030 --> 00:00:27,660 Speaker 1: all we are and have is because of your goodness. 6 00:00:29,080 --> 00:00:32,740 Speaker 1: Help us to see ourselves through the lens of your holiness, 7 00:00:33,979 --> 00:00:37,680 Speaker 1: not in self-condemnation, but in the truth of your love 8 00:00:38,159 --> 00:00:43,330 Speaker 1: and mercy. Grant us the humility to understand our place 9 00:00:43,710 --> 00:00:48,890 Speaker 1: in your grand design, lifting you above all else. May 10 00:00:48,909 --> 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 00:00:59,780 --> 00:01:02,920 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 --> 00:01:14,050 Speaker 1: with you. Empower us to be a force for good, 15 00:01:14,930 --> 00:01:20,800 Speaker 1: reflecting your light in our families, communities, and beyond. In Jesus' 16 00:01:20,860 --> 00:01:26,380 Speaker 1: name we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. 17 00:01:27,260 --> 00:01:31,630 Speaker 1: You're listening to The Jesus Podcast. Stories inspired by the 18 00:01:31,670 --> 00:01:37,730 Speaker 1: gospel to entertain, enlighten, and encourage. Be sure to follow 19 00:01:37,770 --> 00:01:44,760 Speaker 1: this podcast on whatever platform you're listening to. Jesus and 20 00:01:44,780 --> 00:01:48,360 Speaker 1: the disciples were invited to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles 21 00:01:48,660 --> 00:01:51,180 Speaker 1: with some of the people in Jerusalem who had heard 22 00:01:51,260 --> 00:01:55,480 Speaker 1: Jesus teach and believed. They made their way through the 23 00:01:55,540 --> 00:02:01,660 Speaker 1: winding streets. The warm glow of lamps illuminated cloth curtains 24 00:02:01,920 --> 00:02:06,820 Speaker 1: covering the windows. Each house murmured with the celebrations within. 25 00:02:08,419 --> 00:02:11,060 Speaker 1: Jesus pointed to the house on the corner of the street. 26 00:02:11,639 --> 00:02:12,859 Speaker 2: I believe this is the place. 27 00:02:13,560 --> 00:02:17,500 Speaker 1: Jesus pushed open the door. Music poured out as the 28 00:02:17,560 --> 00:02:22,780 Speaker 1: disciples filled in through the doorway. Around the room, men 29 00:02:23,060 --> 00:02:28,919 Speaker 1: and women were laughing, singing, and playing instruments. A man 30 00:02:28,960 --> 00:02:32,840 Speaker 1: greeted with raised arms and a beaming smile. 31 00:02:33,240 --> 00:02:38,109 Speaker 3: Shalom, shalom. We weren't sure if you would come. Thank 32 00:02:38,130 --> 00:02:39,490 Speaker 3: you for joining us tonight. 33 00:02:40,030 --> 00:02:43,130 Speaker 2: Shalom, shalom, friend. By the looks of it, this is 34 00:02:43,169 --> 00:02:45,780 Speaker 2: the place to be tonight. I can only assume you're 35 00:02:45,800 --> 00:02:47,040 Speaker 2: the one who invited us, yes? 36 00:02:47,600 --> 00:02:50,970 Speaker 3: Oh yes, I'm Michael. Some of us heard you would 37 00:02:51,000 --> 00:02:53,310 Speaker 3: be in the city for the festival and thought it 38 00:02:53,370 --> 00:02:57,450 Speaker 3: was worth inviting you to our humble celebration. Please come 39 00:02:57,510 --> 00:03:00,230 Speaker 3: and have a seat. There are many here who are 40 00:03:00,270 --> 00:03:01,350 Speaker 3: excited to meet you. 41 00:03:01,790 --> 00:03:04,220 Speaker 1: Michael cleared a few spaces in the center of the 42 00:03:04,250 --> 00:03:08,400 Speaker 1: room for Jesus and the disciples. People were watching them 43 00:03:08,440 --> 00:03:11,579 Speaker 1: through the sides of their eyes, whispering to one another. 44 00:03:12,440 --> 00:03:16,260 Speaker 1: The music had started to die down. It was evident 45 00:03:16,650 --> 00:03:20,049 Speaker 1: that word was spreading about the house, that Jesus was 46 00:03:20,110 --> 00:03:20,730 Speaker 1: in their midst. 47 00:03:21,210 --> 00:03:24,550 Speaker 3: We have heard your teaching from others. Is what you 48 00:03:24,610 --> 00:03:25,370 Speaker 3: say true? 49 00:03:25,389 --> 00:03:28,450 Speaker 2: I have come to speak on my father's behalf, and 50 00:03:28,470 --> 00:03:31,570 Speaker 2: the words I share are true. In fact, I will 51 00:03:31,610 --> 00:03:34,790 Speaker 2: be teaching in the temple courts tomorrow. Why don't you 52 00:03:34,830 --> 00:03:37,070 Speaker 2: come out and make the decision for yourself? 53 00:03:37,850 --> 00:03:40,990 Speaker 1: After the meal, Jesus rose from the table and thanked 54 00:03:41,030 --> 00:03:44,320 Speaker 1: his host. The disciples followed him out the door. 55 00:03:44,940 --> 00:03:49,080 Speaker 2: My friends, Tomorrow is going to be a long day. Please, 56 00:03:49,480 --> 00:03:51,500 Speaker 2: go back to the house and get some rest. 57 00:03:52,080 --> 00:03:53,690 Speaker 4: Are you not coming with us, Rabbi? 58 00:03:54,210 --> 00:03:56,890 Speaker 2: I will meet you all in the temple courts. As 59 00:03:56,910 --> 00:03:59,150 Speaker 2: for tonight, I must prepare myself. 60 00:04:03,390 --> 00:04:06,670 Speaker 5: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing? 61 00:04:07,130 --> 00:04:10,720 Speaker 5: It's not your feet. It's your shoes. This summer, switch 62 00:04:10,740 --> 00:04:15,570 Speaker 5: to G-Defy shoes with patented VersoShock technology. which aligns your body, 63 00:04:15,750 --> 00:04:22,210 Speaker 5: provides superior shock absorption, and trampoline-like energy return. G-Defy offers 64 00:04:22,310 --> 00:04:26,589 Speaker 5: soles and styles for any activity, plus two free orthotics. 65 00:04:27,190 --> 00:04:30,089 Speaker 5: Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or always on 66 00:04:30,110 --> 00:04:34,310 Speaker 5: the go, G-Defy shoes deliver the comfort and versatility your 67 00:04:34,330 --> 00:04:38,880 Speaker 5: feet crave. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to unparalleled 68 00:04:38,940 --> 00:04:44,300 Speaker 5: support this summer. Enjoy a special summer offer. Visit GDefy.com 69 00:04:44,660 --> 00:04:47,480 Speaker 5: and get $ 20 off your order of $ 100 or more 70 00:04:47,900 --> 00:04:52,610 Speaker 5: with code PRAY. Experience the miracle of ultimate comfort with 71 00:04:52,670 --> 00:04:59,630 Speaker 5: GDefy shoes. Visit GDefy.com today. 72 00:05:03,450 --> 00:05:07,789 Speaker 4: How do we guard against hypocrisy? It starts with self-examination. 73 00:05:08,170 --> 00:05:11,940 Speaker 4: We need to regularly ask ourselves, Am I truly abiding 74 00:05:11,980 --> 00:05:15,779 Speaker 4: in Jesus' Word? Am I letting His truth transform me? 75 00:05:16,260 --> 00:05:18,820 Speaker 4: Or am I just going through the motions, saying the 76 00:05:18,900 --> 00:05:21,880 Speaker 4: right things but not living them out? This is the 77 00:05:21,940 --> 00:05:26,760 Speaker 4: Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com. Today we continue through 78 00:05:26,790 --> 00:05:30,550 Speaker 4: our mini-series on Jesus disrupting the status quo and showing 79 00:05:30,650 --> 00:05:34,450 Speaker 4: us a new way to live. This series showcases Jesus' 80 00:05:34,550 --> 00:05:37,690 Speaker 4: teachings and passion, and we will learn about God's heart 81 00:05:37,730 --> 00:05:40,930 Speaker 4: for people and for His kingdom. Today, we're going to 82 00:05:40,970 --> 00:05:45,250 Speaker 4: dive into a powerful passage from John 8, verses 31-59, 83 00:05:46,440 --> 00:05:49,560 Speaker 4: where Jesus calls out the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. 84 00:05:50,140 --> 00:05:53,520 Speaker 4: It's a story that challenges us to look inward, to 85 00:05:53,680 --> 00:05:57,480 Speaker 4: examine our own hearts, and to guard against the ever-present 86 00:05:57,540 --> 00:05:59,640 Speaker 4: danger of becoming hypocrites ourselves. 87 00:06:02,620 --> 00:06:06,920 Speaker 1: At dawn, Jesus strode into the temple courtyard. He found 88 00:06:06,960 --> 00:06:09,640 Speaker 1: a seat a few paces away from the offering boxes. 89 00:06:10,660 --> 00:06:14,140 Speaker 1: The sound of coins falling into the receptacles could be 90 00:06:14,180 --> 00:06:18,120 Speaker 1: heard faintly under the noise of many feet parading about. 91 00:06:19,000 --> 00:06:23,190 Speaker 1: The sea of colorful robes flowing through the courtyard as 92 00:06:23,290 --> 00:06:27,630 Speaker 1: men and women came in and out to worship. Some 93 00:06:27,690 --> 00:06:30,570 Speaker 1: of them had stopped to form a circle around Jesus 94 00:06:31,070 --> 00:06:31,850 Speaker 1: to hear him teach. 95 00:06:32,650 --> 00:06:35,690 Speaker 2: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me 96 00:06:35,750 --> 00:06:38,860 Speaker 2: will never walk in darkness, but will have the light 97 00:06:38,890 --> 00:06:39,390 Speaker 2: of life. 98 00:06:40,100 --> 00:06:42,980 Speaker 1: At the innermost edge of the gathering stood a group 99 00:06:43,160 --> 00:06:48,640 Speaker 1: of Pharisees. Their demeanor spoke of their disgust for Jesus 100 00:06:48,970 --> 00:06:49,770 Speaker 1: and his teachings. 101 00:06:50,290 --> 00:06:53,589 Speaker 2: Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony 102 00:06:53,650 --> 00:06:57,450 Speaker 2: is strong, for I know where I came from and 103 00:06:57,570 --> 00:06:58,849 Speaker 2: where I am going. 104 00:06:59,550 --> 00:06:59,990 Speaker 3: Follow? 105 00:07:00,610 --> 00:07:03,970 Speaker 6: Who in their right mind would follow you? Here you 106 00:07:04,150 --> 00:07:07,630 Speaker 6: are appearing as your own witness. How can your testimony 107 00:07:07,650 --> 00:07:10,330 Speaker 6: be valid with no one else to support your claims? 108 00:07:11,070 --> 00:07:14,110 Speaker 1: Jesus beat his chest with a clenched fist as he 109 00:07:14,210 --> 00:07:17,590 Speaker 1: spoke these words. They were confused about the meaning of 110 00:07:17,630 --> 00:07:21,590 Speaker 1: his argument. But before they could respond, he pointed his 111 00:07:21,690 --> 00:07:24,710 Speaker 1: finger down the nose of the Pharisee in front of him. 112 00:07:25,190 --> 00:07:27,690 Speaker 2: But you have no idea where I come from or 113 00:07:27,730 --> 00:07:30,770 Speaker 2: where I am going, do you? You judge others by 114 00:07:30,790 --> 00:07:34,750 Speaker 2: whatever human standards please you. But I pass judgment on 115 00:07:35,290 --> 00:07:38,890 Speaker 2: no one. But even if I do judge, my decisions 116 00:07:38,970 --> 00:07:41,370 Speaker 2: are true because I am not alone. 117 00:07:42,070 --> 00:07:47,550 Speaker 1: Jesus directed their attention upward. The cloudless sky was a 118 00:07:47,590 --> 00:07:51,100 Speaker 1: bright blue. Many of the people in the temple courts 119 00:07:51,130 --> 00:07:55,760 Speaker 1: had ceased their activity to listen to Jesus. They did 120 00:07:55,820 --> 00:07:57,760 Speaker 1: their best to follow along closely. 121 00:07:58,550 --> 00:08:01,470 Speaker 2: I stand with the Father who sent me, and in 122 00:08:01,510 --> 00:08:04,750 Speaker 2: your own law it is written that the testimony of 123 00:08:04,860 --> 00:08:08,300 Speaker 2: two witnesses is true. For if I am the first 124 00:08:08,340 --> 00:08:12,620 Speaker 2: witness who testifies for myself, my other witness is the 125 00:08:12,700 --> 00:08:14,200 Speaker 2: Father who sent me. 126 00:08:14,720 --> 00:08:19,170 Speaker 1: His words sent an icy chill down the Pharisees' spines. 127 00:08:20,130 --> 00:08:23,670 Speaker 1: They had known Jesus to address Adonai in such a 128 00:08:23,750 --> 00:08:28,370 Speaker 1: personal manner to their displeasure. The religious leader hissed his 129 00:08:28,440 --> 00:08:29,640 Speaker 1: retort at the rabbi. 130 00:08:30,730 --> 00:08:33,270 Speaker 3: We've heard about your father, Jesus. 131 00:08:33,929 --> 00:08:34,390 Speaker 6: Where is he? 132 00:08:35,170 --> 00:08:36,870 Speaker 4: Can he come to testify? 133 00:08:37,470 --> 00:08:41,070 Speaker 1: Many had heard rumors of Jesus' miraculous birth and the 134 00:08:41,110 --> 00:08:44,310 Speaker 1: near disgrace of his mother. The Pharisees now tried to 135 00:08:44,470 --> 00:08:48,610 Speaker 1: use this against Jesus. But Jesus bellowed back. 136 00:08:49,110 --> 00:08:52,010 Speaker 2: You do not know me or my father. If you 137 00:08:52,080 --> 00:08:54,920 Speaker 2: knew me, you would know my father also. 138 00:08:55,670 --> 00:08:58,270 Speaker 1: Jesus held up his hand at the Pharisee before he 139 00:08:58,309 --> 00:09:02,210 Speaker 1: could reply. Then Jesus swiveled his body to the left. 140 00:09:02,840 --> 00:09:05,580 Speaker 1: There sat Michael and some of the believers from the 141 00:09:05,620 --> 00:09:06,140 Speaker 1: night before. 142 00:09:06,640 --> 00:09:08,940 Speaker 2: It has come to my attention that many of you 143 00:09:08,980 --> 00:09:13,199 Speaker 2: have heard me teach and believe my words. But hearing 144 00:09:13,720 --> 00:09:17,800 Speaker 2: is not enough to follow me. You must hear and obey. 145 00:09:18,320 --> 00:09:22,010 Speaker 2: If you hold to my teachings, you too are truly 146 00:09:22,070 --> 00:09:26,270 Speaker 2: my disciples. For my disciples know the truth. and the 147 00:09:26,370 --> 00:09:28,250 Speaker 2: truth will set you free. 148 00:09:28,809 --> 00:09:30,650 Speaker 1: Michael spoke on behalf of his group. 149 00:09:31,320 --> 00:09:36,400 Speaker 3: Rabbi, what freedom do you speak of? We are Abraham's descendants, 150 00:09:36,520 --> 00:09:38,860 Speaker 3: and we have never been slaves of anyone. 151 00:09:39,440 --> 00:09:43,250 Speaker 2: Your mind is thinking in earthly terms, but I speak 152 00:09:43,260 --> 00:09:47,689 Speaker 2: of spiritual slavery. You see, everyone who sins is a 153 00:09:47,830 --> 00:09:48,850 Speaker 2: slave to sin. 154 00:09:49,410 --> 00:09:52,290 Speaker 3: How can we be free of this slavery to sin? 155 00:09:52,790 --> 00:09:56,020 Speaker 2: Think of it like this. A slave has no permanent 156 00:09:56,090 --> 00:10:00,220 Speaker 2: place in the family. But a son, a son. on 157 00:10:00,240 --> 00:10:04,080 Speaker 2: the other hand belongs to the family forever so if 158 00:10:04,100 --> 00:10:08,480 Speaker 2: the son sets you free you will be free indeed. 159 00:10:08,420 --> 00:10:13,600 Speaker 1: The pharisees gasped at jesus illustration does being. 160 00:10:13,420 --> 00:10:17,110 Speaker 6: A descendant of abraham mean nothing to you surely we 161 00:10:17,150 --> 00:10:21,220 Speaker 6: are already part of god's family Yet you call us slaves? 162 00:10:21,840 --> 00:10:25,260 Speaker 2: I know that you are Abraham's descendants, born of his line. 163 00:10:26,000 --> 00:10:28,220 Speaker 2: Yet you are looking for a way to kill me 164 00:10:28,280 --> 00:10:30,630 Speaker 2: because you have made no room for my word in 165 00:10:30,670 --> 00:10:34,410 Speaker 2: your heart. Everything I tell you, I have seen in 166 00:10:34,590 --> 00:10:38,990 Speaker 2: the Father's presence. But you, you are doing what you 167 00:10:39,030 --> 00:10:40,550 Speaker 2: have heard from your father. 168 00:10:41,170 --> 00:10:42,880 Speaker 6: Abraham is our father. 169 00:10:43,460 --> 00:10:47,880 Speaker 1: The Pharisee responded through gritted teeth. His hands were tightly 170 00:10:48,059 --> 00:10:49,960 Speaker 1: wound into fists under. 171 00:10:49,820 --> 00:10:51,000 Speaker 4: The sleeves of his robes. 172 00:10:51,540 --> 00:10:54,949 Speaker 2: If you were Abraham's children, then you would do what 173 00:10:55,110 --> 00:10:58,370 Speaker 2: Abraham did when he worshipped God for the promise of 174 00:10:58,410 --> 00:11:01,410 Speaker 2: the seed. But look at you. You are looking for 175 00:11:01,429 --> 00:11:03,850 Speaker 2: a way to kill me. A man who has told 176 00:11:03,890 --> 00:11:06,510 Speaker 2: you nothing but the truth that I heard from God himself. 177 00:11:07,370 --> 00:11:08,839 Speaker 2: Abraham did not do such things. 178 00:11:09,679 --> 00:11:10,760 Speaker 1: No, no. 179 00:11:12,000 --> 00:11:15,400 Speaker 2: You are doing the works of your own father. 180 00:11:16,130 --> 00:11:21,350 Speaker 6: We are not illegitimate children. The only father we have 181 00:11:21,710 --> 00:11:22,650 Speaker 6: is God himself. 182 00:11:23,290 --> 00:11:27,150 Speaker 1: Again, the Pharisees were attacking Jesus' lineage and the claim 183 00:11:27,220 --> 00:11:31,240 Speaker 1: of his miraculous conception. But Jesus took no mind to 184 00:11:31,280 --> 00:11:34,220 Speaker 1: their insults. He didn't need their approval. 185 00:11:34,780 --> 00:11:37,960 Speaker 2: If God were your father, you would love me, for 186 00:11:38,080 --> 00:11:41,460 Speaker 2: I have come here from God. I have not come 187 00:11:41,540 --> 00:11:45,840 Speaker 2: on my own. God sent me. So why don't you 188 00:11:45,880 --> 00:11:50,180 Speaker 2: understand and believe? It's not because I'm not clear, but 189 00:11:50,230 --> 00:11:55,150 Speaker 2: because you are unable to hear what I say. You 190 00:11:55,290 --> 00:12:00,690 Speaker 2: have shut off your ears because you belong to your father, 191 00:12:01,170 --> 00:12:07,640 Speaker 2: the devil. And you want, you actually want to carry 192 00:12:07,740 --> 00:12:10,360 Speaker 2: out your father's desires. 193 00:12:10,900 --> 00:12:15,820 Speaker 1: The Pharisee's blood boiled. He turned and whispered a command 194 00:12:15,860 --> 00:12:19,120 Speaker 1: to one of the temple guards. The guard rallied some 195 00:12:19,160 --> 00:12:23,480 Speaker 1: of his companions and quickly headed down the colonnades. Jesus 196 00:12:23,559 --> 00:12:26,040 Speaker 1: watched their departure as he continued speaking. 197 00:12:26,679 --> 00:12:29,620 Speaker 2: He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to 198 00:12:29,660 --> 00:12:32,960 Speaker 2: the truth. But there is no truth in him. When 199 00:12:32,980 --> 00:12:38,660 Speaker 2: he lies, he speaks his native tongue. Not only is 200 00:12:38,679 --> 00:12:43,300 Speaker 2: he a liar, he is the father of all lies. 201 00:12:43,990 --> 00:12:47,730 Speaker 2: And as your father tells you lies, you listen to him. 202 00:12:48,309 --> 00:12:51,090 Speaker 2: Yet I tell you the truth and you do not 203 00:12:51,170 --> 00:12:51,949 Speaker 2: believe me. 204 00:12:52,470 --> 00:12:54,809 Speaker 6: And how do we know you're not the liar? 205 00:12:55,170 --> 00:12:57,980 Speaker 2: Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? Just 206 00:12:58,020 --> 00:13:00,059 Speaker 2: because you don't believe me doesn't mean I don't tell 207 00:13:00,080 --> 00:13:03,620 Speaker 2: the truth. I speak what the father has told me 208 00:13:03,660 --> 00:13:08,640 Speaker 2: to speak. Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. 209 00:13:09,380 --> 00:13:11,830 Speaker 2: The reason you do not hear is that you do 210 00:13:11,870 --> 00:13:12,890 Speaker 2: not belong to God. 211 00:13:13,380 --> 00:13:18,920 Speaker 1: The tension was palpable. Both parties were relentless and unmoving 212 00:13:19,080 --> 00:13:22,520 Speaker 1: in their stances. But it was clear that Jesus was 213 00:13:22,620 --> 00:13:25,929 Speaker 1: getting under the skin of the Pharisees. Though he spoke 214 00:13:26,050 --> 00:13:30,770 Speaker 1: confidently and directly, his temper never seemed to flare out 215 00:13:30,790 --> 00:13:34,870 Speaker 1: of control. The Pharisees tried to redirect the conversation with 216 00:13:34,929 --> 00:13:38,790 Speaker 1: what they believed would be a more compelling accusation to 217 00:13:38,809 --> 00:13:39,270 Speaker 1: the crowd. 218 00:13:39,750 --> 00:13:40,330 Speaker 2: Ha ha ha! 219 00:13:40,990 --> 00:13:44,270 Speaker 6: Aren't we right in saying that you are a Samaritan 220 00:13:44,290 --> 00:13:45,470 Speaker 6: and demon-possessed? 221 00:13:46,070 --> 00:13:48,910 Speaker 2: Ha! You say it as one who now speaks the truth. 222 00:13:49,700 --> 00:13:53,000 Speaker 2: A demon does not possess me. Would a man possessed 223 00:13:53,040 --> 00:13:56,620 Speaker 2: by demons honor the Father as I have? But you 224 00:13:56,800 --> 00:14:00,819 Speaker 2: stand here and dishonor me, even though I am not 225 00:14:00,920 --> 00:14:05,020 Speaker 2: seeking glory for myself. But there is one who seeks it, 226 00:14:05,650 --> 00:14:10,220 Speaker 2: and he is the judge. Truly, I tell you that 227 00:14:10,260 --> 00:14:14,960 Speaker 2: whoever obeys my word will never see death. 228 00:14:15,620 --> 00:14:19,180 Speaker 1: As Jesus said this, the temple guards returned with a 229 00:14:19,200 --> 00:14:22,870 Speaker 1: wooden cart. It was covered with a large piece of linen, 230 00:14:23,470 --> 00:14:29,030 Speaker 1: hiding the contents within. The Pharisees puffed up their chests 231 00:14:29,350 --> 00:14:30,050 Speaker 1: in outrage. 232 00:14:30,740 --> 00:14:34,320 Speaker 6: Now we know without a doubt that you are demon-possessed. 233 00:14:35,280 --> 00:14:39,900 Speaker 6: You say whoever obeys your word will never taste death. 234 00:14:40,700 --> 00:14:43,780 Speaker 6: But there is no denying that Abraham died, along with 235 00:14:43,830 --> 00:14:47,090 Speaker 6: all the prophets. Do you dare say that you are 236 00:14:47,130 --> 00:14:50,030 Speaker 6: greater than our father, Abraham? 237 00:14:51,350 --> 00:14:52,730 Speaker 3: Who do you think you are? 238 00:14:53,290 --> 00:14:56,370 Speaker 2: You ask me of my greatness, but my glory would 239 00:14:56,410 --> 00:15:00,710 Speaker 2: mean nothing if I glorified myself. My father, who you 240 00:15:00,910 --> 00:15:06,960 Speaker 2: claim to be your God, glorifies me. Again, I say 241 00:15:07,260 --> 00:15:10,260 Speaker 2: that you do not know him. I could also say 242 00:15:10,300 --> 00:15:12,250 Speaker 2: that I don't know him, but that would make me 243 00:15:12,290 --> 00:15:15,870 Speaker 2: a liar like you. I do know him, and I 244 00:15:16,010 --> 00:15:20,050 Speaker 2: obey his word. If only you knew who I was. 245 00:15:20,970 --> 00:15:23,790 Speaker 2: For your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing 246 00:15:23,850 --> 00:15:27,750 Speaker 2: my day come. Even he knew of my greatness and 247 00:15:27,790 --> 00:15:28,920 Speaker 2: was glad to see it. 248 00:15:30,010 --> 00:15:33,290 Speaker 6: You aren't even 50 years old. How could you have 249 00:15:33,370 --> 00:15:34,770 Speaker 6: possibly seen Abraham? 250 00:15:35,640 --> 00:15:39,500 Speaker 1: Jesus stood tall. He glanced around at the crowd that 251 00:15:39,540 --> 00:15:45,320 Speaker 1: had grown since he had started preaching. Jesus stared intensely. 252 00:15:45,040 --> 00:15:49,640 Speaker 2: At the Pharisees. Very truly I tell you this, before 253 00:15:49,860 --> 00:15:53,440 Speaker 2: Abraham was born, I am. 254 00:15:54,220 --> 00:15:59,640 Speaker 1: Jesus' words rumbled like rolling thunder, shaking the hearts of 255 00:15:59,950 --> 00:16:05,030 Speaker 1: everyone present. The Pharisees took a step back in unbelief. 256 00:16:06,650 --> 00:16:09,750 Speaker 1: They hastily turned to the cart beside them and tore 257 00:16:09,810 --> 00:16:14,800 Speaker 1: the fabric covering, revealing a large pile of stones. One 258 00:16:14,900 --> 00:16:18,600 Speaker 1: by one, the Pharisees filled their hands with the stones. 259 00:16:20,080 --> 00:16:25,040 Speaker 1: Perceiving the gravity of the situation, the disciples quickly surrounded Jesus, 260 00:16:25,860 --> 00:16:27,420 Speaker 1: blending him into the crowd. 261 00:16:27,920 --> 00:16:31,480 Speaker 6: Where is he? Where is Jesus of Nazareth? 262 00:16:32,860 --> 00:16:35,350 Speaker 1: No one in the crowd moved or said a word. 263 00:16:36,570 --> 00:16:39,270 Speaker 1: They were all too astonished at the teaching they had 264 00:16:39,310 --> 00:16:44,790 Speaker 1: just heard. Jesus and the disciples slipped through the bustling 265 00:16:44,860 --> 00:16:49,760 Speaker 1: courtyard into the safety of the city streets. The disciples 266 00:16:49,860 --> 00:16:53,540 Speaker 1: stared at each other with wide eyes as they caught 267 00:16:53,560 --> 00:16:57,600 Speaker 1: their breath. They couldn't believe that they had made it 268 00:16:57,720 --> 00:17:04,100 Speaker 1: out alive. Unable to fathom all that had happened, they 269 00:17:04,200 --> 00:17:10,350 Speaker 1: burst out with laughter, to stop themselves from panicking. They 270 00:17:10,410 --> 00:17:14,310 Speaker 1: were even alarmed by the truths Jesus shared. It was 271 00:17:14,410 --> 00:17:18,129 Speaker 1: evident to them that he was everything he said he was. 272 00:17:19,910 --> 00:17:23,540 Speaker 1: Just as the Son of God defended the Father before men, 273 00:17:24,600 --> 00:17:29,180 Speaker 1: they now knew that the Father was defending the Son. 274 00:17:32,160 --> 00:17:35,250 Speaker 4: Let's start by setting the scene. Jesus is speaking to 275 00:17:35,290 --> 00:17:37,609 Speaker 4: a group of Jews who had begun to believe in him. 276 00:17:38,070 --> 00:17:41,210 Speaker 4: But as he continues to teach, it becomes clear that 277 00:17:41,340 --> 00:17:45,399 Speaker 4: their belief is only superficial. They like the idea of Jesus, 278 00:17:45,920 --> 00:17:48,460 Speaker 4: but they're not ready to embrace the deeper truth of 279 00:17:48,500 --> 00:17:52,139 Speaker 4: his message. Jesus begins by saying, If you abide in 280 00:17:52,180 --> 00:17:55,260 Speaker 4: my word, you are my disciples indeed, and you shall 281 00:17:55,300 --> 00:17:57,840 Speaker 4: know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 282 00:17:58,340 --> 00:18:03,120 Speaker 4: John 8, verses 31 and 32 It's a beautiful promise, 283 00:18:03,460 --> 00:18:07,590 Speaker 4: but notice that it's conditional. If you abide in my word. 284 00:18:08,010 --> 00:18:11,130 Speaker 4: Jesus is calling for more than a passing interest. He's 285 00:18:11,170 --> 00:18:14,990 Speaker 4: calling for a deep, committed relationship with his word. But 286 00:18:15,090 --> 00:18:18,170 Speaker 4: the response from the crowd is telling. They say, we 287 00:18:18,210 --> 00:18:21,409 Speaker 4: are Abraham's descendants and have never been in bondage to anyone. 288 00:18:21,690 --> 00:18:25,260 Speaker 4: How can you say you will be made free? John 8, 289 00:18:25,260 --> 00:18:29,580 Speaker 4: verse 33. It's a shocking statement considering their history. The 290 00:18:29,619 --> 00:18:32,600 Speaker 4: Jews had been in bondage in Egypt. under the Babylonians, 291 00:18:32,900 --> 00:18:36,230 Speaker 4: and now under Roman rule, yet they claim they've never 292 00:18:36,290 --> 00:18:40,130 Speaker 4: been in bondage. Here we see the first signs of hypocrisy, 293 00:18:40,530 --> 00:18:43,810 Speaker 4: this disconnect between their words and reality, and it's a 294 00:18:43,830 --> 00:18:46,750 Speaker 4: good reminder for us. How often do we claim to 295 00:18:46,810 --> 00:18:50,119 Speaker 4: be free, all the while being held captive by our 296 00:18:50,200 --> 00:18:53,879 Speaker 4: own sins, our habits, our fears? We need to be 297 00:18:53,920 --> 00:18:57,340 Speaker 4: careful not to fall into the same trap of self-deception. 298 00:18:57,900 --> 00:19:00,980 Speaker 4: Jesus responds by saying, Most assuredly I say to you, 299 00:19:01,470 --> 00:19:05,590 Speaker 4: Whoever commits sin is a slave to sin. John 8.34 300 00:19:05,590 --> 00:19:10,359 Speaker 4: It's a reminder that true freedom isn't about outward circumstances. 301 00:19:10,940 --> 00:19:13,580 Speaker 4: It's about the condition of our hearts. We can be 302 00:19:13,619 --> 00:19:17,020 Speaker 4: in the freest of societies, but if we're living in sin, 303 00:19:17,560 --> 00:19:22,600 Speaker 4: we're not truly free. John 8.36 But here's the good news. 304 00:19:23,300 --> 00:19:27,220 Speaker 4: Jesus also says, Therefore, if the Son makes you free, 305 00:19:27,740 --> 00:19:32,570 Speaker 4: you shall be free indeed. John 8. Verse 36. True 306 00:19:32,619 --> 00:19:35,990 Speaker 4: freedom comes from a relationship with Jesus, from abiding in 307 00:19:36,030 --> 00:19:39,389 Speaker 4: His Word and letting His truth transform us from the 308 00:19:39,470 --> 00:19:43,550 Speaker 4: inside out. This is where hypocrisy often takes root. We 309 00:19:43,590 --> 00:19:46,910 Speaker 4: can easily get caught up in outward appearances and looking 310 00:19:46,970 --> 00:19:49,969 Speaker 4: good on the outside while ignoring the condition of our hearts. 311 00:19:50,880 --> 00:19:53,560 Speaker 4: We might be like the religious leaders, quick to claim 312 00:19:53,619 --> 00:19:56,560 Speaker 4: we're children of Abraham, but slow to live out the 313 00:19:56,619 --> 00:19:59,620 Speaker 4: faith of Abraham. We must guard our hearts from getting 314 00:19:59,740 --> 00:20:03,080 Speaker 4: too haughty, thinking we're above it all and out of 315 00:20:03,180 --> 00:20:07,240 Speaker 4: touch with our own sin. As the conversation continues, Jesus 316 00:20:07,320 --> 00:20:10,120 Speaker 4: makes a bold claim. I speak what I have seen 317 00:20:10,160 --> 00:20:12,550 Speaker 4: with my Father, and you do what you have seen 318 00:20:12,590 --> 00:20:17,399 Speaker 4: with your Father. John 8.38 He's starting to draw a 319 00:20:17,440 --> 00:20:20,740 Speaker 4: line between those who truly follow God and those who 320 00:20:20,810 --> 00:20:24,590 Speaker 4: only claim to. The religious leaders, of course, claim Abraham 321 00:20:24,730 --> 00:20:28,250 Speaker 4: as their father. But Jesus challenges them, saying, If you 322 00:20:28,270 --> 00:20:31,010 Speaker 4: were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham. 323 00:20:31,650 --> 00:20:36,170 Speaker 4: John 8.39 In other words, it's not enough to claim 324 00:20:36,230 --> 00:20:39,929 Speaker 4: a spiritual heritage. What matters is whether we're living out 325 00:20:39,970 --> 00:20:43,909 Speaker 4: that heritage in our daily lives. Jesus goes even further. 326 00:20:44,300 --> 00:20:47,760 Speaker 4: eventually saying, You are of your father the devil, and 327 00:20:47,780 --> 00:20:51,820 Speaker 4: the desires of your father you want to do. John 8, 328 00:20:51,820 --> 00:20:55,859 Speaker 4: verse 44. That's strong language. But Jesus isn't trying to 329 00:20:55,900 --> 00:20:59,859 Speaker 4: win a popularity contest here. He's speaking the truth in love, 330 00:21:00,480 --> 00:21:03,700 Speaker 4: hoping to shake them out of their self-deception. It's a 331 00:21:03,720 --> 00:21:06,919 Speaker 4: stark reminder for us. We all have the capability to 332 00:21:06,960 --> 00:21:10,250 Speaker 4: be hypocrites. We can claim to follow Christ, but if 333 00:21:10,310 --> 00:21:14,070 Speaker 4: our actions don't match our words, we're fooling ourselves. The 334 00:21:14,109 --> 00:21:17,630 Speaker 4: world doesn't need more people who simply say they're Christians. 335 00:21:18,380 --> 00:21:21,840 Speaker 4: It needs people who live like Christians, who reflect the love, 336 00:21:22,220 --> 00:21:25,460 Speaker 4: the grace, the truth of Jesus in every aspect of 337 00:21:25,500 --> 00:21:29,220 Speaker 4: their lives. So how do we guard against hypocrisy? It 338 00:21:29,260 --> 00:21:33,600 Speaker 4: starts with self-examination. We need to regularly ask ourselves, am 339 00:21:33,660 --> 00:21:36,679 Speaker 4: I truly abiding in Jesus' Word? Am I letting His 340 00:21:36,800 --> 00:21:40,400 Speaker 4: truth transform me? Or am I just going through the motions, 341 00:21:40,800 --> 00:21:43,950 Speaker 4: saying the right things but not living them out? Spurgeon 342 00:21:44,030 --> 00:21:47,470 Speaker 4: once said, The power of self-deception in the unconverted man 343 00:21:47,650 --> 00:21:51,160 Speaker 4: is infinite. And, I would add, even in the converted man, 344 00:21:51,619 --> 00:21:55,240 Speaker 4: the danger of slipping into hypocrisy is always present. We 345 00:21:55,320 --> 00:21:59,560 Speaker 4: must be vigilant, always checking our motives, our actions, and 346 00:21:59,640 --> 00:22:03,410 Speaker 4: our hearts. In the end, Jesus makes a profound statement. 347 00:22:04,109 --> 00:22:09,469 Speaker 4: Before Abraham was, I am. John 8, verse 58. With 348 00:22:09,530 --> 00:22:13,930 Speaker 4: these words, He declares His divinity, His eternal nature, and 349 00:22:13,990 --> 00:22:17,430 Speaker 4: His ultimate authority. The religious leaders couldn't handle this truth, 350 00:22:17,930 --> 00:22:20,149 Speaker 4: and they picked up stones to throw at Him, but 351 00:22:20,210 --> 00:22:23,330 Speaker 4: Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple. Today, 352 00:22:23,710 --> 00:22:26,800 Speaker 4: let's not be like those leaders who rejected the truth 353 00:22:26,859 --> 00:22:30,800 Speaker 4: because it didn't fit their narrative. Instead, let's embrace the truth, 354 00:22:31,359 --> 00:22:34,699 Speaker 4: even when it's uncomfortable, even when it challenges us. Let 355 00:22:34,760 --> 00:22:37,040 Speaker 4: us be willing to look at our own lives and 356 00:22:37,240 --> 00:22:40,140 Speaker 4: see where we might be falling into hypocrisy. And then, 357 00:22:40,480 --> 00:22:44,030 Speaker 4: let's bring those areas to Jesus. asking Him to transform 358 00:22:44,109 --> 00:22:46,780 Speaker 4: us from the inside out, because in the end, the 359 00:22:46,859 --> 00:22:50,090 Speaker 4: truth will set us free. And that's a freedom worth 360 00:22:50,130 --> 00:22:50,590 Speaker 4: living for.