You do not know Him, but I know Him. If I said I did not know Him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know Him, and I keep His word. You do not know Him,Jesus exposes the central failure of His opponents: their learning and religious office had not brought them into true knowledge of God. Though they searched the Scriptures and claimed Abraham as their father, they rejected the One sent by the Father. Their blindness was moral and spiritual, resembling Israel’s condition in Hosea 4:6, where knowledge of God had been forsaken despite covenant privilege. 2Th 1:8 in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance… but I know Him. The Son knows the Father with eternal, perfect intimacy. Jesus does not speak as a prophet who has received partial revelation, but as the One who was with God in the beginning and shares the Father’s divine nature (John 1:1–2). He alone reveals the Father fully, because His words and works proceed from His unity with the Father. Jhn 17:25 Righteous Father, although the world has not known You… If I said I did not know Him, I would be a liar like you. Jesus cannot deny the truth of who He is or conceal His relationship with the Father. His opponents claimed to know God while refusing God’s sent Messiah, placing themselves among those condemned for speaking falsely in God’s name. Their rejection of Jesus revealed that their profession of faith was contradicted by their hearts and actions. 1Jn 2:4 If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His… But I do know Him, Jesus repeats His claim with solemn authority. The Father’s identity, will, and saving purpose are fully known to the Son. As Jesus later teaches, no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him (Matthew 11:27). Knowledge of God is therefore inseparable from receiving the Son. Jhn 7:29 but I know Him, because I am from Him and He sent Me.” and I keep His word. Jesus’ knowledge of the Father is displayed in flawless obedience. Throughout His earthly ministry, He carries out the Father’s will, speaks the Father’s words, and completes the work entrusted to Him. His obedience fulfills the portrait of the faithful Servant in Isaiah 42:1–4 and becomes the pattern for all who love Him: genuine knowledge of God bears fruit in faithful obedience. Jhn 14:23-24 Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, asserting His intimate knowledge of God the Father. 2. The Pharisees Religious leaders of the time, often in opposition to Jesus, questioning His authority and knowledge of God. 3. God the Father Referred to by Jesus as the one whom He knows intimately and whose word He keeps. 4. Jerusalem The setting of this discourse, a city central to Jewish religious life and the location of many of Jesus' teachings. 5. The Feast of Tabernacles The broader context of John 8, during which Jesus was teaching in the temple courts. Teaching Points Intimate Knowledge of GodJesus claims a unique and intimate knowledge of God, which is foundational to His authority and teaching. As believers, we are called to seek a deeper relationship with God through prayer, study, and obedience. Truthfulness and Integrity Jesus contrasts His truthfulness with the Pharisees' lack of it. Christians are encouraged to live with integrity, speaking truthfully and aligning their lives with God's word. Obedience to God's Word Jesus emphasizes the importance of keeping God's word. Believers should prioritize obedience to Scripture as a demonstration of their love and knowledge of God. Confronting Religious Hypocrisy Jesus challenges the Pharisees' superficial understanding of God. Christians should be wary of religious hypocrisy and strive for genuine faith and practice. The Role of Jesus as Mediator Jesus' unique relationship with the Father positions Him as the mediator between God and humanity. Believers should rely on Jesus for access to the Father and understanding of His will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jesus' claim of knowing the Father challenge the religious leaders of His time, and what does this teach us about the nature of true spiritual authority?2. In what ways can we cultivate a deeper knowledge of God in our daily lives, following Jesus' example? 3. How does keeping God's word serve as evidence of our relationship with Him, and what practical steps can we take to ensure we are living in obedience? 4. What are some modern examples of religious hypocrisy, and how can we guard against falling into similar patterns in our own faith journey? 5. How does understanding Jesus as our mediator influence our approach to prayer and our relationship with God? Connections to Other Scriptures John 1:18This verse emphasizes that no one has seen God except the Son, who has made Him known, reinforcing Jesus' unique knowledge of the Father. 1 John 2:4 This passage discusses the importance of keeping God's word as evidence of knowing Him, echoing Jesus' statement about keeping the Father's word. John 14:7-9 Jesus explains to His disciples that knowing Him is equivalent to knowing the Father, further illustrating His divine relationship and authority. Philippians 2:6-8 Highlights Jesus' humility and obedience, which aligns with His claim of keeping the Father's word. People Jesus, DisciplesPlaces Jerusalem, Mount of OlivesTopics Commands, Contrary, Deny, Falsely, Full, Liar, Obey, Perfectly, Resemble, Saying, Speaking, Talking, YetDictionary of Bible Themes John 8:55 1511 Trinity, relationships in Library Ascension DayEversley. Chester Cathedral. 1872. St John viii. 58. "Before Abraham was, I am." Let us consider these words awhile. They are most fit for our thoughts on this glorious day, on which the Lord Jesus ascended to His Father, and to our Father, to His God, and to our God, that He might be glorified with the glory which He had with the Father before the making of the world. For it is clear that we shall better understand Ascension Day, just as we shall better understand Christmas or Eastertide, … Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons December 18 Evening September 15 Morning February 27 Evening December 10 Evening February 28 Evening April 9. "I do Always those Things that Please Him" (John viii. 29). The Light of the World 'Never in Bondage' Three Aspects of Faith July the Fifth the Discipleship that Tells On the Words of the Gospel, John viii. 31, "If Ye Abide in My Word, Then are Ye Truly My Disciples," Etc. Believing on Jesus, and Its Counterfeits Sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Lent Morgan -- the Perfect Ideal of Life Freedom. Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all Its Vanities Tobacco. Messianic Claims Met by Attempt to Stone Jesus. Sin. The Course of the World. The First Chapter: Imitating Christ and Despising all Vanities on Earth Links John 8:55 NIVJohn 8:55 NLT John 8:55 ESV John 8:55 NASB John 8:55 KJV John 8:55 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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