A study of John 8:48-59 reveals hostility by those who reject truth, the difference between a physical and spiritual life, and a divine claim by Jesus.
A study of John 8:48-59 reveals hostility by those who reject truth.
The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” (ESV, John 8:48)
When Jesus taught in the Jerusalem temple during the Feast of Tabernacles, he engaged in dialogue with Jews, who at first, believed in him. But it turned out their belief was superficial and they weren’t committed to an ongoing relationship with him. They rejected Jesus’ instruction to abide in his word because they already considered themselves children of Abraham and children of God. Jesus replied he was sent by God and spoke the words of God. And to reject him meant they were actually children of the devil.
This infuriated the Jews. A common reaction when people lose an argument. And Jesus made it worse by challenging them to prove him guilty of even one sin, which they couldn’t do. So in growing hostility, fueled by the frustration they couldn’t refute Jesus, they began calling him names. Another common reaction when God’s word is proclaimed. It will convict and lead to repentance those who accept it and believe. But often cause hostility among those who reject it and prefer darkness over light.
They called Jesus a Samaritan and demon possessed
Jews had a low view of Samaritans who they considered ethnically and morally impure. So they used the name as a racial slur to insult Jesus. Calling him demon possessed accused him of serving Satan rather than God. Hurtful words for sure, but they also fulfilled prophecy.
He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. (ESV, Isaiah 53:3)
Here’s another spiritual reality. Accepting Jesus involves an act of humility and submission. Self-righteous pride rejects humility and exalts yourself as a god in place of the Almighty God.
A study of John 8:48-59 reveals the difference between physical and spiritual life.
Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ (ESV, John 8:51-52)
Using truly, truly at the beginning was intended to get their attention. It was like saying, “Listen up. I’m about to announce something that is really important.” But the Jews assumed Jesus was talking about physical death. And the physical deaths of Abraham and the prophets were all recorded and affirmed in scripture. Therefore, such an outrageous claim proved their point. He was either demon possessed or out of his mind.
Furthermore, the claim Jesus could overcome what their revered patriarch Abraham could not was insulting. So they angrily deminded, “Who do you think you are?” However, the Jews misunderstood. Jesus was not talking about physical death, but the eternal, spiritual death that follows physical death. How do we know? Because Jesus would never contract the truth of scripture. And he more clearly distinguishes between physical and spiritual death later in this gospel.
I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. (ESV, John 11:25-26)
How well do you know God?
Rather than answer their angry demand, Jesus shifts the conversation and identifies the key to eternal life. A relationship. He says in V.55 they don’t know the father. And the Greek word for “know” that he uses is ginōskō, which means to know relationally and by experience. It is the kind of knowing represented by saving faith because it grows over time through interaction and obedience. But the Jews were counting on their physical relationship with Abraham and completely missed the spiritual one with God the father.
Jesus, on the other hand, knows the father. The Greek word for “know” here is oida, which means absolute, innate, and perfect knowledge. In other words, they never developed an actual relationship with the father, but he has an eternal relationship with the father as the divine son.
A study of John 8:48-59 reveals a divine claim by Jesus.
Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad. (ESV, John 8:56)
Since the Jews kept insisting on a priviledged status as Abraham’s descendents, Jesus shifted the conversation back to him. He describes his relationship with Abraham like someone who knew him intimately. And Abraham, likewise, knew Jesus and looked forward to seeing his day. A statement that made no sense to them. Abraham lived 2,000 years ago and they pointed out the obvious.
So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” (ESV, John 8:57)
From a human perspective, Jesus was a young, upstart. Perhaps if he was 50 rather than 30, he might possess some wisdom from lived experience and deserve greater respect. You can almost hear the condescension in their voices. “Come back when you grow up.”
But Jesus was much more than that.
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. (ESV, John 8:58-59).
The Greek word for “before Abraham was” is gínomai, which means to be born. In other words, Abraham was a created being with a beginning. The words “I am” that Jesus used to describe himself are the Greek egṓ eimí, which literally means I am. It is used throughout scripture to describe the eternal God.
Jesus used it in his I am statements throughout the Gospel of John. Furthermore, it goes back to when Moses asked God for what to say when he presented himself to Israel as God’s chosen leader.
God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you. (ESV, Exodus 3:14)
In other words, Abraham had a beginning as a created being, but Jesus existed as the eternal God. This time the Jews understood exactly what Jesus was claiming. And their thoughts turned murderous. To them Jesus was just a man. And claiming to be God was blasphemy with a penalty of death by stoning. So they gathered rocks to carry out the sentence. But Jesus hid and then left the temple.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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