Spiritual Reflections
(John 8:31-59)

Introduction:

A. We are a people conscious of our personal image.
B. Time spent with Jesus and His word is time spent in spiritual reflection.
C. The Jews to whom Jesus spoke had several mistaken reflections about themselves.

I. They had a mistaken reflection about their freedom (Jn. 8:31-36).

A. The Jews placed a high value on their freedom.
B. Jesus was speaking of spiritual bondage to sin (Jn. 8:34; 2 Pet. 2:19).
C. How does Jesus set us free from the bondage of sin?
1. There are two prerequisites to spiritual freedom:
a. One must abide in His word (Jn. 8:31; 2 Tim. 2:15; Col. 3:16).
b. One must know the truth (Jn. 8:32; 1 Pet. 1:22).
2. When Jesus sets us free, we become God’s children (Jn. 8:35-36; Gal. 4:4- 7; Gal. 5:1).

II. They also had a mistaken reflection about their assurance (Jn. 8:37-55).

A. The Jews placed their hope in their ancestral ties to Abraham (Jn. 8:39; Mt. 3:9).
B. “Actions speak louder than words!” (Jn. 8:39-44; Gen. 18:1-8; Mal. 2:10).
1. Murderous desires (vs. 40)
2. Despised the truth (vs. 40)
3. Rejected God’s messenger (vs. 42)
4. Did not believe the word (vs. 46)
5. Dishonored the Son of God (vs. 49)
6. Did not know God (55)
C. They grew more hostile and hardened their hearts against the truth.
1. Flat denial (Jn. 8:33)
2. Deliberate insult (Jn. 8:48)
3. Sarcasm (Jn. 8:53)
4. Violence (Jn. 8:59)

III. They had a mistaken reflection about their understanding (Jn. 8:55-59).

A. The Jews professed to know God (cf. Rm. 2:17-24; Jn. 8:55; 1 Jn. 2:3).
B. Jesus corrected their mistaken understanding by pointing out Abraham’s belief in the Christ (Jn. 8:56-58 cf. Hb. 13:8).
C. They professed to be wise, but reflected a woeful ignorance of the greatest promise in human history, the coming of the Son of God!

Conclusion:

A. We must approach God’s word with an open and receptive heart.
B. Can you see your true spiritual reflection?