Free Indeed

Gospel of John Series #21—Do You Know My Jesus?

I.                    Introduction:  In the beginning of John 8, Jesus was teaching in the temple.  He was interrupted when the Scribes and Pharisees entered, bringing with them a woman found in the sin of adultery.   Seeking to trap Jesus in His words they said, “Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?” (John 8:5)  Jesus answer is found in John 8:7 “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”  One by one they left, each being convicted of their own sin.  When only one sinner, the woman, remained, Jesus asked her, “Woman, where are those thine accusers?  Hath no man condemned thee?”  She said, “No man, Lord.”  Jesus in offer of forgiveness responded, “Neither do I condemn thee,” and by His instruction He showed He did not approve of her sin.  He said, “Go and sin no more.”  Jesus offers the same forgiveness and instruction to us today.  Once we turn to Him as Savior, we are instructed to “Go and sin no more.”  A true believer is a new creature in Christ, old things are passed away, all things are become new.  The Holy Spirit that lives inside the believer, convicts us of sin and causes us to not want to sin any more.

Once Jesus finished instructing the adulterous woman, it seems Jesus used the circumstance to launch into His further teaching.  In verse 12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.  He that followeth me (that is, he that is a true disciple of mine) will not walk in darkness (That is, will not continue to live a life of sin) but shall have the light of life, (that is shall have and live righteously according to the light given when one receives eternal life).

II.                 Proposition:  Understand today that Jesus is who He said He is.  He is the light of the world and He can free one from living a life in bondage to sin.  STAND AND PRAY.

III.             Transition:  Let’s now read how those of the established Jewish religion challenged Jesus and how Jesus answered their challenge, verifying that He is the light of the world that can free one from the bondage of sin.

IV.             Body:  Read John 8:12-18.  Jesus stated in verse 12, “I am the light of the world.”  The Pharisees challenged Him—you are saying this about yourself, but what you are saying is not true.  Jesus (V. 14) defended His record of Himself.  He said, “I know where I came from and I know where I am going.” And you Pharisees don’t know these things, you are only using your physical earthly judgment.  Jesus then said, “I judge no man” but if I judged my judgment would be true because I do not judge by myself but with my heavenly Father that sent me.  He reminds the Pharisees that Old Testament law states that the testimony of two men is true and both Jesus and the Father who sent Him, bear witness of Jesus.

Read John 8:19-20.  Here we see the Pharisees second question and challenge to Jesus.  “Where is your father?”  Jesus answered the Pharisees—you don’t know me or my Father.  If you knew me, you would also have known my Father.  Despite this pointed rebuke of the Pharisees, no one took Jesus to be tried or condemned because it was not yet God’s appointed time for this.  Verse 20 says, “No man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.”  We must remember that God has His plan.  Concerning salvation, God’s plan and timing are clear, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation.”  (II Cor. 6:2)

Read John 8:21-24.  Jesus again spoke to the Pharisees.  He told them the He was going to go His way, and the time would come when they would seek Him, but they would die in their sins, and not be able to go where He was going.  But the Jews missed the whole point, and questioned, “Will he kill himself?”  Their question shows how Satan blinds the minds of men.  Let me repeat what Jesus said in verse 21 and see if you understand what Jesus was saying.  “I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins, whither I go, ye cannot come.”  In verses 23-24 Jesus explains what He meant.  The first point He made is that He and they are from different worlds.  They are from beneath, that is from this world, and Jesus is from above, heaven, not of this world.  This is the basis for their lack of understanding and the unbelievers’ lack of understanding of spiritual matters today.  Then Jesus restated His original point.  That is why I said you are going to die in your sins.  If you don’t believe me now, that I am who I said I am, the light of the world, and you don’t follow me there will come a time when you will seek me, but it will be too late, and you will die in your sins, and not be able to go where I go, that is, to heaven.

Read John 8:25-29.  It seems at this point some of the Jews became more serious minded about what Jesus was saying.  They asked Him, “Who art thou?” This is a good question everyone in this room and everyone in the world should be asking concerning Jesus—“Who art thou?”  This question brings us back to the beginning of Jesus teaching session in John 8:12.  “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”  In verses 26-27 Jesus said He had many things to say, but they did not understand that Jesus was speaking what He heard from the One who sent Him, His heavenly Father.  In verses 28-29 Jesus explained there would come a time when they would know who Jesus was, and that He was from the Father.  That time would be when Jesus, the Son of man would be lifted up on the cross. In John 8:30 we find the people’s response to Jesus teaching.  Read John 8:30 “As he spake these words, many believed on him.”  They believed the truths Jesus taught and they put their trust in Him.  Jesus instructed these new believers in John 8:31-32, “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  Proof of being “a disciple indeed”, a true believer, is this; a true believer will continue in obedience to God’s Word, and will know the truth and Jesus, the truth will free that one from the power of sin in this life, and from the penalty of sin after death.  Do you know the truth?  In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”  Jesus is the truth.  Do you know Him?  Has He made you free from your sin and its penalty?

Maybe you are saying, I have always believed in Jesus, or I have my own beliefs.  How can you say to me I will be made free?  This sounds like what some of the Jews said to Jesus.  Let’s read the Jews conversation with Jesus in John 8:33-36.  Read.  “They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?  Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.  And the servant abideth not in the house for ever but the Son abideth ever.  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

In verse 33 we see they tried to put their hope in their old religion.  They claimed they were not in bondage and they did not need to be made free.  Note this.  No one can receive help until they admit they have a problem.  Though they denied having a need, Jesus pointed them to clear fact and truth in verse 34, “Truly, truly, whosever commits sin is the servant of sin.”  A servant does not remain in his master’s household forever.  Only a son remains and becomes heir to the father’s inheritance.  The fact is we all commit sin, we are all the servants of sin, and as servants we have no inheritance from our Father in heaven.  To receive inheritance from the Father, everlasting life, we must face the terrible reality of our own sinfulness and turn to Jesus, the Savior, who alone can rescue us. He is the light of the world, and He can free one from sin’s bondage.  John 8:36 states “If the Son therefore shall make you free; ye shall be free indeed.”

V.                 Conclusion:  You may have been taught about and believed in Jesus all of your life, and even prayed one or many prayers to be saved, but you may still be in the same group as those who never did any of these things.  The proof of true belief is in your life.  Since the time you asked Christ to save you has it changed your life?  Do you show evidence of being “a disciple indeed”?  John 8:31-32 “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  Do you know my Jesus?  Has God spoken to your heart today?  Is He speaking to you NOW? 

Hymn 224—Why Not Now?

Hymn 244—Just as I am Without One Plea.

Red Sea Rules: 10 Rules for Difficult Situations   adapted from book by Robert Morgan

 
1. When you are in a difficult place, realize that the Lord either placed you there or allowed you to be there: Our Father has custom designed the experiences we need to prepare us for His kingdom.
2. Be more concerned for God’s glory than your relief: The next time your overwhelmed, instead of asking, “How can I get out of this mess?” try asking, “How can God be glorified in this situation.” In John 9 the disciples met a man blind from birth. When they asked Jesus if this was as a result of his sin or that of his parents, Jesus responded, “Your asking the wrong question. This man was born blind so that the power of God could be displayed in his life.” When Mary and Martha reproved Jesus for not coming immediately and healing Lazarus, Jesus responded, “This sickness is not unto death, but that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” At the onset of the most excruciating week of His life, Jesus asked not, “How can I get out of this? But “How can God’s name be glorified?” Our job amid the difficulty is to learn our Lord’s simple but submissive prayer: What shall I say? Save me from this hour? No, Father, glorify Your name. The story of parted waters shows us that God gains glory: -When His enemies are defeated; -When His children are delivered; -When His name is exalted; -When his exploits are remembered; and –When His praises are sounded. He will gain honor for Himself over our adversarial situations.
3. Acknowledge satan’s attacks on your life, but keep your focus on the Lord: “Submit yourself to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:6-8) “Therefore if the Son has set you free, you are free indeed.” (John 8:36)
4. Pray fervently: “The fervent prayer of a righteous man is mighty in its working.” (James 5:16)
5. Stay calm and confident, and give God time to work: “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him… Do not fret – it only causes harm.” (Psalm 37:7-8) “The battle is not yours, but God’s…. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you… Do not fear or be dismayed.” (2 Chronicles 20:15,17 )
6. When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith: “Your strength shall be renewed day by day like morning dew.” (Psalm 110:3) “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16) “So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of you tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.” (Mathew 6:34) Trust God for guidance in small increments; and if you can’t see what lies dimly in the distance, do what lies clearly at hand.
7. Envision God’s enveloping presence: “I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too – your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful—I can’t take it all in.” (Psalm 139:5-6 MSG) “Lord let your constant love surround us, for our hopes are in you alone.” (Psalm 33:22) God’s presence in the trial is much better than exemption from the trial. “God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5) “Speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you.” (Acts 18:9-10) “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go.” (Gen. 28:15) “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything.” (Phil. 4:5,6) The best way to develop and abiding awareness of God’s presence is to speak to Him often in prayer. Prayer is the environment in which we most solidly connect with God on an intimate basis. Do it often.
8. Trust God to deliver in His own unique way: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” (Psalm 50:15) The Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever.” (2 Tim. 4:18) God still delivers, but we must understand that, “My thoughts are not your thoughts; nor are your ways My ways.” (Isaiah 55:8)
9. View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future: I know He tries me to increase my faith. “A faith that can’t be tested can’t be trusted.” –Warren Wiersbe) The Lord loves to respond to faith.
10. Don’t forget to praise Him: “Praise and worship are the sand and cement that hold the bricks in place along life’s daily path. Every segment of our day should be encased in praise. “See those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:1-3) Praise is our typical expression of joyful confidence and triumphant thanksgiving at what God has done, is doing, and is going to do.

Walking with Jesus

Walking with Jesus to His Crucifixion and His Glorious Resurrection               

Part 2  Hearings and Mock Trials                  

I.                    Introduction:  Last week we started studying events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.  We began this walk with Jesus at a feast in the town of Bethany.  Here a woman named Mary, anointed Jesus body with costly ointment.  Judas Iscariot and Jesus other disciples criticized her anointing with costly ointment as a waste of money.  Jesus defended her act of worship and said this anointing was for his burial.

While some were at the feast, chief priests, scribes and elders were assembled in another place plotting to kill Jesus.  Later Judas Iscariot would meet with them and agree to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.

Following the feast Jesus went to Jerusalem where the common people were ready to receive Jesus as their king.  In fulfillment of prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 Jesus rode humbly into Jerusalem upon a donkey, and a colt, or young donkey.  The common people laid their clothing and palm branches on the pathway before Jesus in honor to Jesus.  They called out, “Hosanna in the highest blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.”  By calling, “Hosanna,” they were calling out to Jesus to be their earthly king and to deliver them from their earthly problems.  This was not Gods plan.  God’s plan was that Jesus first die for their sins to saved them from their spiritual problems. 

Following this Jesus disciples prepared a Passover feast and celebrated Passover with the Lord.  It was here at this Passover feast that Jesus first instituted what we call the Lord’s Supper or Communion.  Jesus broke and distributed the unleavened bread among the disciples, saying the bread was His body which would be broken on the cross for our sins.  He also took the cup, containing the fruit of the vine, pure unfermented grape juice, that was representative of His sinless blood shed on behalf of sinful men.  This is done in remembrance of Christ and His sacrifice for our sins till He come.  

Our walk with Jesus, took us next to the Garden of Gethsemane.  Here Jesus prayed in agony 3 times while his disciples slept.  He prayed “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me:  nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”  Thus, Jesus yielded to this most difficult assignment of His heavenly Father—taking all of the sins of mankind upon Himself and being separated from God the Father for the first time ever, because of our sin.

Following Jesus prayer, Judas Iscariot along with soldiers entered the garden.  In the cover of night, Judas Iscariot does his work of deceit and betrayal.  With pretended gestures of obedience and love, Judas Iscariot calls out to Jesus “Hail, Master: and kisses Jesus thus betraying Jesus into the hands of sinful men.  We look on these terrible acts of deceit and betrayal by Judas and see them as truly offensive, but do we see the terribleness of our own acts of deceit and betrayal toward Jesus?

I.                   Proposition:  Today, as we continue our walk with Jesus toward His crucifixion and glorious resurrection, let us examine ourselves and our own relationship with Jesus.  Let us not criticize and focus on failures of others.  STAND AND PRAY.

II.                 Transition:  Following the betrayal of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was taken by night for a mock hearing before Caiaphas the High Priest and the Sanhedrin, a council composed of Jewish religious leaders.

III.              Body: 

A.     Let’s now read Matthew’s account of Jesus mock hearing before the high priest Caiaphas and the Jewish council, the Sanhedrin in Matthew 26:57-68.  In this account we read that they sought out false witnesses to testify against Christ, and they attempted to catch Jesus in His words so they could accuse Him of blasphemy.  Blasphemy is saying sinful things against God.    This was clearly not a fair and just hearing.  It was only designed to falsely accuse Jesus.  They spit on Him.  They buffeted Him and hit Him with their hands and mocked Him.

          Notice what Peter did while all of this is happening.  Verse 58 reads, “But Peter followed Him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.”  By following afar off He shows Peter did not want people to know he was with Jesus.  When he arrived at the high priest’s office “he sat with the servants” as a mere spectator.  He wanted to see what would happen, but was fearful to be in the front of the crowd in full support of Jesus.  Support for Jesus in this place was near zero.  It was not a popular position among these people.  But before we become too critical of Peter, we must ask ourselves, “Am I afraid to let people know I’m with Jesus?”  Do I speak up for Jesus, when it is unpopular?  Or am I ashamed and try to be cool or fit in with those who do not love God?

B.     Read Matthew’s account of Peter’s denial in Matthew 26:69-75. Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane, had said to Jesus out of a heart full of love and devotion, in verse 33, “Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet shall I never be offended.”  But Jesus who is the all-knowing God who knows the hearts of men, correctly prophesied of Peter, “That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice…”  Peter’s actions of denial of Christ seem almost unthinkable.  But we must examine ourselves.  How quickly our hearts turn from fervor and devotion toward God to failure and denial of God.

As sad as this account of Peter’s denial of his Lord is, we see in Peter evidence of true faith in and love for Christ.  For when Peter sinned he could not think lightly of his sin as though nothing happened, but Matthew 26:75 tells us when “Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice,” he was brought to shame and repentance from his sin.  “And he went out and wept bitterly.”  Many of us are much like Peter.  One moment fervent in our expression of love for God, and the next moment failing.  But also like Peter, the true believer cannot take his sin lightly, but find it grievous and something that must be repented from.

C.      Let’s read the most detailed account of Jesus daytime trial before the Jewish council of elders, scribes, and chief priests called the Sanhedrin in Luke 22:66-71. Read.  The intent of this Jewish council’s questioning was to get Jesus to say, He was the promised Messiah, the Son of God.  If He said these things they would charge Him with blasphemy—that is saying something sinful against God.  The final intent of their so called trial is found in Matthew 27:1-2.  Read.  The people took council to bring Him to death.  This trial was by the religious Jewish council.  Next they bound Jesus and led Him away to be tried by Pontius Pilate, the governor appointed by the Roman Empire which had political rule over this region at this time.

D.    While this was happening we read of Judas the betrayer of Jesus in Matthew 27:3-10.  Read.  When Judas realized that condemnation of Jesus would go through, Scripture says, “he repented himself.”  Judas changed his mind and tried to return the 30 pieces of silver which he received for betrayal of Jesus.  When the priest refused the money, Judas cast it down on the temple floor, and leaving in despair over his sin, went and hanged himself.  The tragedy we see here is that Judas only renounced his sin and turned from it, but he still felt the weight of its guilt.  He did not turn to Christ and find forgiveness.  As a result of his hardness to God, he turned to grief and despair, and finally to self-destruction and condemnation by God.  We must learn a lesson from the erroneous course of Judas.  We must understand that turning from sin is not sufficient to alleviate guilt.  Instead one must turn to Christ for forgiveness. 

IV.               Conclusion:  God does not want us to live in grief and despair that ends in self-destruction and condemnation because of our sin.  He wants us to know forgiveness.  To obtain that forgiveness for us He paid the supreme sacrifice of the death of His sinless Son.  Christ’s death paid the price of forgiveness for us.  Now, He offers that forgiveness to you as a gift.  Will you receive it today?