A Healthy Confrontation

Scripture – John 8:19-24: Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his time had not yet come. Once more Jesus said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come.” This made the Jews ask, “Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, ‘Where I go, you cannot come’?” But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Jesus continues to have these confrontations with the Pharisees in front of the crowd. Is that part of His plan? Yesterday’s reading showed Him first making a statement to the people. He was then challenged by the Pharisees. Today, we see that dialogue continuing. How would I react if someone showed up telling me the essentials of what I’ve been teaching and preaching my whole life are wrong? That’s what’s been happening in all these confrontations. His words are harsh and direct. What would He say to me? What is He saying?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will listen carefully today. I will be aware of what I say – what I put out as “truth.”

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, as a “church person,” please help me stay open to your living word. As a present day Pharisee, help me stand alongside Nicodemus – ready to change direction as you lead. Thank you for keeping a living relationship and dialogue open with me. Thank you for your trust in me.