Bible Pathways 11/03/2002
November 3
Read John 6 -- 8
In Today’s Reading:
Feeding 5,000; Jesus walking on the sea; Jesus, the Bread of Life; Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles; Jesus forgives the adulteress; Jesus, the Light of the world; Abraham's true descendants.
Jesus entered the Temple, and all the people came to Him; and He . . . taught them (John 8:2). Jesus was rudely interrupted by the Scribes and Pharisees who brought to Him a woman . . . They said to Him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the Law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what do You say? (8:3-5). They brought this woman to Jesus, not because they were shocked at her conduct or grieved that the Holy Law of God had been broken, but that they might . . . accuse Him (8:6). Had He said: “Let her go,” they could accuse Him of compromising with sin and breaking the Mosaic Law. If He said: “Stone her,” He would break Roman law and be accountable to Rome and His followers would have questioned His compassion and forgiveness of sinners.
Jesus brought conviction to each one of her accusers when He said: He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her (8:7). Convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, (he had the most sin to hide and the most reputation to protect) . . . and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst (8:9). Then Jesus said to her: Has no man condemned you? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said to her, Neither do I condemn you: go, and sin no more (8:10-11). Following this cruel interruption by these hypocritical religious leaders, Jesus resumed His teaching, saying: I am The Light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have The Light of Life (8:12).
When Jesus said: I am The Light of the world (8:12), the Pharisees knew that He was speaking of Himself as being equal with God. However, they had already rejected Jesus as their Messiah and chose not only to remain in darkness but attempted to destroy The Light. Jesus then exposed their eternal destiny and judgment when He said: You shall seek Me, and die in your sins (8:21). They were searching for a Savior to relieve them from Rome's control, not for a Spiritual Kingdom that would change their lives.
Today, it is still possible to seek the Savior for the wrong motives. During times when some face death, serious financial reverses, or diseases like cancer, they may appear to sincerely "seek" Jesus but often some are only temporarily "reformed" and not "transformed." Let health return, or let there be a change of circumstances, and often these once-zealous professors of faith return to their old self-centered ways. In striking contrast with the hypocrites are those who, regardless of circumstance, remain faithful to Jesus. If you continue in My Word, then you are My disciples indeed (John 8:31).
Thought for Today: To know what is right and not live accordingly is sin.
Word Studies:
6:24 took shipping = got into boats.
Cross References:
For John 6:31: See Psa. 78:24. John 6:45: See Isa. 54:13.
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Rep. Philip Crane (IL) and Rep. Lynn Woolsey (CA) · Pray for the missionary ministries · Country: Cambodia (12 million) in Southeast Asia · Major languages: Khmer and French · Confused and unsettled at this time · 88% Buddhist; 3% animism and spirit worship; 2% Muslim; .6% Roman Catholic/Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Keep the Word of God and pray to Him who has given you an open door into His presence (Revelation 3:8).
Memory Verse for the Week: John 10:5
