Jesus explains how the truth will set the “believers” free from slavery to sin.
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SERMON NOTES:
John 8:31-59
Jesus explains how the truth will set the “believers” free from slavery to sin. (31-36)
Jesus accuses the “believers” of being children of the devil! (37-47)
Jesus claims to be the great “I am”!! (48-59)
How does the truth set us free?
Our faith in Jesus Christ frees us from the power of sin.
What keeps us from experiencing this freedom?
A shortage of faith. (39-41a)
Believing lies from the Devil. (41b-47)
Misunderstanding the power of Jesus. (58)
study questions:
1. Read verses 31-36. To whom is Jesus speaking in these verses? What advice does Jesus give them in verses 31-32? How do these people respond in verse 33? What is the feel of their response (angry, confused, offended, happy…)? Why do you think they responded this way? According to verses 34-36, what is the truth? From what does the truth free us? How have you personally experienced the truth and freedom Jesus talks about in these verses?
2. Read verses 37-47. What is the message Jesus communicates in 37-38? What did the Jews and Jesus argue about in verses 39-41? What did Jesus say about the Jews in verses 42-47? How would you feel if Jesus said these things about you? What do we learn about the devil in verses 44-45? Based on these verses, how does Jesus see people who reject Him? How is the devil involved in the affairs of people both in biblical times and in today’s world (see also Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Peter 5:8)? How does this affect us as Christians? How should we respond to the reality of the Devil and demons?
3. Read verses 48-59. How did the people respond to Jesus’ accusation from verse 44 (see verses 48, 52-53)? How did the people respond to Jesus’ statement from verse 56? What point is Jesus making in verse 58? Why did the Jews respond so strongly in verse 59? It is obvious that these people struggled to accept what Jesus was teaching them. Based on these verses and your experience, why do you think people can struggle to accept the Good News of Jesus Christ?
4. So what? Is there a command to obey, a truth about God to embrace, an example to follow or a principle to apply that you have learned in your study of this passage? What is one specific thing you are taking away from this passage that applies to your life?