Over the years, I’m sure most of us have had people say disrespectful or disparaging things to or about us. Some people are verbally abusive and bullies. When a thought comes to me to verbally retaliate to something mean spoken to me, I try to grab for the spiritual duct tape and hold onto the Words of Christ, “…on the day of judgment, people will be called to account for every careless word they have ever said” (Matthew 12:36). According to Scripture, our speech reflects the condition of our hearts and God knows. The Word has a way of calming my tongue; I pray you have noticed the Word has also done that for you.
In our passage today, Jesus has been teaching in the Temple. The Pharisees find a woman caught in adultery and bring her to Jesus, hoping to trap him, but the wisdom of Jesus causes them to reflect and move on (John 8:1-11). Then, Jesus tells those listening, “I am the Light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12). Jesus has several other encounters with the religious leaders and crowd before coming for a head-to-head climax when they call him a “Samaritan devil” who is possessed by a demon (John 8:48).
It is eye-opening that these religious leaders could accuse Jesus of blasphemy when they were the ones who actually did so. Jesus declares Himself in these passages to be God, but they just don’t believe Him. Jesus does not defend Himself; rather, he responds with clarity and truth: He points out falsehood, restates God’s authority, and refuses to be a people-pleaser. We would be wise to remember these three things when our integrity is questioned.
John 8:48-59 NLT
48 The people retorted, “You Samaritan devil! Didn’t we say all along that you were possessed by a demon?”
49 “No,” Jesus said, “I have no demon in me. For I honor my Father—and you dishonor me. 50 And though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me. He is the true judge. 51 I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!” [spiritual death]
52 The people said, “Now we know you are possessed by a demon. Even Abraham and the prophets died, but you say, ‘Anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!’ 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”
54 Jesus answered, “If I want glory for myself, it doesn’t count. But it is my Father who will glorify me. You say, ‘He is our God,’ 55 but you don’t even know him. I know him. If I said otherwise, I would be as great a liar as you! But I do know him and obey him. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad.”
57 The people said, “You aren’t even fifty years old. How can you say you have seen Abraham?[How can you say Abraham has seen you?]”
58 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am! [I have always been alive]” 59 At that point, they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden from them and left the Temple.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the challenge You offer today in Your Word about our hearts and our mouths. Sometimes people are cruel, and their words can wound, but You have given us the ability to rise in Your strength. When we are challenged, please help us to identify falsehood with Truth, yield to Your authority and will, and to make pleasing You our highest purpose in Jesus’ name. Amen.