Jesus Revealed Pt. 10 - I AM!Sample

Jesus and the Father Pt. 2  

Thoughts on the Passage

This passage is a challenge to understand.

The people take up stones to kill Jesus for blasphemy because He calls Himself equal with God—He says He is the Son of God. They understand exactly what He is saying and reject Him and His claims. Jesus deals with it in two ways.

First, Jesus quotes God’s Word. He describes it as a quote from the Law of Moses (it is from Exodus 22:28) but the quote comes directly from Psalm 82. God calls people “gods” and “sons of the Most High” in this passage. There is some disagreement what this passage means, but most people see it as a description of people who are given positions as judges and rulers exercising God’s authority. These individuals judge in the name of God and in accordance with His law. In Psalm 82 God rebukes them for their biased manner in judging and improper treatment given to the poor and needy; He then declares that they will die just like other people, and that God will judge with righteous judgment over the nations.

Second, Jesus uses this passage to challenge the people to judge with righteous judgment. Do not just use emotion and a rigid understanding of the law (i.e. that Jesus is blaspheming because He calls Himself the Son of God), but instead judge with accurate judgment. Jesus has proof of His claims – treat these proofs with proper judicial care. This is what is expected by God, otherwise, He will judge them harshly. So this is a warning as well. Jesus warns them that God will judge them for their misuse of the position that God has given to them. 

The people refuse to look at the claims of Jesus and try to kill Him.

Today, many people refuse to look at the claims of Jesus. It is a dangerous position to put oneself.

Application

What truths of the Word of God do we struggle with? Do we apply it selectively in our lives or the lives of others?
Take time today and ask God to point out truths that we apply in this way. Here are a few to consider:
-- we want God to show us mercy and grace, but we do not give others around us the same.
-- we ask for blessings from God, but we do not give of the resources His gives to us in accordance with God’s command.
-- we challenge people to walk in accordance with the truths of God’s Word, but our walk has not changed in months or years.

Time to Pray

Father, Your word calls us to evaluate the claims of Jesus and Your law with clear thinking. I know that Your law is designed to release blessing to us. So, I ask that today that You point out where I am not applying Your truths either to my understanding or to my walk. I want Your word to bring change to all areas of my life. I want to faithfully apply it and faithfully teach it to others. You will hold me accountable for my walk and how I instruct others. I am okay with that because You will not ask anything of me that You will not give me the strength to accomplish. You will not ask me to live in a way that is too difficult for me or the people I impact, but will help us… if we are willing. So give me Your heart for this I pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.