A Big "If"
Scripture – John 8:39-42: “Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do the things Abraham did. As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You are doing the things your own father does.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me.”
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Wow! Jesus is still talking to “the Jews who had believed him.” (Imagine what He’d say to the ones who didn’t.) Rather than offering gentle encouragement in the face of their new openness, He uses a sledge hammer to drive home His point. As they talk about fatherhood, the Jews seem to imply that Jesus’ birth was tainted. (Was that a story that was going around?) They claimed God was their Father. Jesus’ response is striking: “If God were your Father, you would love me…” If I am a child of God, there will be some noticeable differences in my heart and life. How am I different from those who don’t know God as Father? Outside of church, in the everyday world, as people see me and hear me, would they be surprised to learn I’m a Christian?
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will continue to watch how I live – including words I choose and the tone of voice I use.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I want to reflect your love and grace to the world around me. I want to be your positive witness today. Please lift me out of myself and open my eyes to the people I meet – in and out of the church. Help me be your disciple this day. Thank you for your forgiveness.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Wow! Jesus is still talking to “the Jews who had believed him.” (Imagine what He’d say to the ones who didn’t.) Rather than offering gentle encouragement in the face of their new openness, He uses a sledge hammer to drive home His point. As they talk about fatherhood, the Jews seem to imply that Jesus’ birth was tainted. (Was that a story that was going around?) They claimed God was their Father. Jesus’ response is striking: “If God were your Father, you would love me…” If I am a child of God, there will be some noticeable differences in my heart and life. How am I different from those who don’t know God as Father? Outside of church, in the everyday world, as people see me and hear me, would they be surprised to learn I’m a Christian?
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will continue to watch how I live – including words I choose and the tone of voice I use.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I want to reflect your love and grace to the world around me. I want to be your positive witness today. Please lift me out of myself and open my eyes to the people I meet – in and out of the church. Help me be your disciple this day. Thank you for your forgiveness.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.
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