Hello, I’m Daniel Westfall on the channel “Pray With Me”.

What are the chances Jesus got frustrated now and then? Sure sounds like it in John chapter 8.

A conversation with some Pharisees started positively when Jesus told them,“I am the light of the world.” (v 12)

But they shot back, “You can’t say that about yourself. You need a witness.” (v 13)

Jesus said, “I have two witnesses. Me and my father. That’s adequate.” (v 18)

“Really?” they said. “Who’s your father?” (v 19)

“No one you know,” replied Jesus. (v 19) 

Ouch. Here we go again. Jesus and his challengers talking past each other. 

Jesus said, “If you don’t believe me, you’ll die in your sins. If you do believe, the truth will set you free.” (vv 21, 32)

The listeners replied, “We’re not slaves. We don’t need to be freed.” (v 33) 

“Yes you do,” Jesus said. “You’re slaves to sin. That makes you children of the devil” (v. 38). 

“No way,” they protested. “The devil our father. Not him! Abraham is!” (v 39) 

“Umm, no,” said Jesus. “Some of you want to kill me. That proves who your father is.” (v 40-41) 

“Never,” the Jews said. “Our father is God. It’s you who has problems with the devil. You’re demon possessed!” (v 48)  

Jesus said, “Not so. God is my father. If you keep my words, you will honor him and you’ll live forever.” (49) 

“Get real,” they said. “Abraham and the prophets died. But you make people live forever? Are you greater than Abraham?” (v. 57)

Jesus said, “Abraham looked forward to my coming.” (v 56) 

They said, “You’re not even 50 and you’ve seen Abraham?” (v 57) 

Jesus said, “Before Abraham was born, I AM.” (v. 58) 

I AM. That’s what God called himself when he talked to Moses from the burning bush. And now Jesus uses God’s name. The crowd said, “Blasphemy!” and wanted to stone him. But Jesus walked away. 

Let’s pray. 

Two thousand years have passed. And still your name, I AM, speaks into our minds and hearts. 

Help us believe the truth that sets us free. Help us believe you give eternal life. Help us live as members of Abraham’s, and your family, which is the family of God. 

Amen. 

I’m Daniel, on the channel “Pray with Me”.

YouTube channel: Pray with Me – YouTube.