21 So he said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.” 22 So the Jews said, “Will he kill himself, since he says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?” 23 He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.” 25 So they said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning. 26 I have much to say about you and much to judge, but he who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.” 27 They did not understand that he had been speaking to them about the Father. 28 So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. 29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” 30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him. —John 8:21-30
Introduction: The ignorance and stubbornness of the heart of mankind without Jesus is sad. Ironically, as the revelation of Jesus concerning Himself increases, so the rebellion against Him expands. The Jews were holding to their own understanding of the story of God. The simplest of spiritual truths taught by Jesus were found to incomprehensible by His enemies. Our own hearts often misunderstand the work and love of God. This morning we can learn from the pharisees once again misunderstanding Jesus.
What story are you
1. Apart from Christ we miss God’s loving gift of life (v.21-23)
- a. Apart from Christ we are headed towards hell (v.21)
b. Apart from Christ we are prideful and ignorant (v.22, 1 Cor 2:14)
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. —1 Corinthians 2:14
- Admitting a lack of understanding reveals humility
- Admitting a lack of understanding fuels listening
- Admitting a lack of understanding empowers learning
Am I willing to acknowledge I
c. Jesus is from above (v.23; James 3:13-18; 1 John 5:19; Eph 4:18)
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. —James 3:13-18
We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. —1 John 5:19
They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. —Ephesians 4:18
Do I know
2. Jesus’ work on the cross has the power to help us understand (v.24-30)
- a. Believe in Jesus as “I am” (v.24)
Your response is
Are you living in
- b. Weep for the ignorant (v.25-27)
The bliss of ignorance is
- c. The cross of Christ is the foundation of true belief (28-29)
The Father sent His Son to
Small Group Questions
What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
Why is it important to talk about the seriousness of sin? Why do some shy away from the topic? What causes you to shy away?
How does admitting that we don’t understand all things help us? What area of your life do need God’s help for understand?
What is preventing you from living in openness to receive God’s love?