Tag: John 8:18

God’s Approval

Barbara WeberLeave a comment

John 8:18-19 WEB

I am one who testifies about myself, and the Father who sent me testifies about me.” [19] They said therefore to him, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me, nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”

When Jesus says the Father testifies about him, he is referring to the many miracles he performed. It is clear in the text the Father approved of Jesus (John 3:2). The Father often released his power when Jesus asked it of him. So, if Jesus was openly approved of by the Father, can you and I be openly approved of by the Father (Rom 16:10)?

How can we tell in the modern age if the Father approves of someone? First, there are still miracles happening and they tend to be performed by people who are fully invested in God (Heb 2:4). They also meet specific needs. For example, missionaries often report they have experienced the miraculous.

So, a powerful move of God can show his approval. However, not many miracles are happening. How can we tell in the modern age if God approves of someone? You must know the Bible. Someone whose life is in line with the principles and precepts of the Bible is approved by God (1 Kings 11:38).

By extension, knowing the Bible and living it to the best of your ability is proof that you are accepted by God. If I do not know the Bible, I may be subject to the wrong teaching. I may be deceived.  So, no matter the denomination, you can test yourself by asking yourself how much of the Bible you are living. This will help you understand if you are approved by God.

Lord Jesus, I want to be approved of by you. Please help me comprehend and learn the principles and precepts of the Bible. Lead me into righteous and holy living. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Jesus’ Righteous Judgment

Barbara WeberLeave a comment

John 8:15-18 WEB

You judge according to the flesh. I judge no one. [16] Even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent me. [17] It’s also written in your law that the testimony of two people is valid. [18] I am one who testifies about myself, and the Father who sent me testifies about me.”

I love to see Jesus generalize. In the above passage, he says, “I judge no one. [16] Even if I do judge…” He says he doesn’t judge unless he does. How great is it to see Jesus accomplish God’s will through normal human conversation? Unfortunately, this is the kind of verse some will hang doctrine on.

The word-for-word crowd could easily take this to mean we should judge no one. But the problem is we are told to execute righteous judgments in other verses (John 5:30, 7:24). So, if this verse is saying that you and I should not judge, ever, it is out of step with the rest of scripture.

Of course, this verse is not out of step with the rest of the Bible. It is a matter of reading to know Jesus versus reading to know the rules (Exo 20:18-19, John 17:3). However, in this verse we have Jesus making a generalization that he does not judge people as a matter of practice. Then, he goes on to say on the rare occasion he does judge another he is making righteous judgments. Jesus’ judgments were righteous because he remained in step with the Spirit (John 5:19-20).

Lord Jesus, please help me hear your small still voice. Light the path before me and help me walk in it. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.