48 The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?”
49 “I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. 50 I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51 Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”
52 At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”
54 Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”
57 “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!”
58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” 59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
Personal Reflection and Discussion
- Imagine for a moment that God isn’t real and that you just appeared (and everything in your life has still taken place), what would you say is the one thing in your life that you would receive the most praise and glory for?
- Jesus made the greatest claim anyone has ever made. He claimed to be God. Yet, Jesus is also the humblest person to have ever lived. In what does His humility lie (see Phil 2:3-8)?
- Talk about Jesus’ two natures (human and divine), why was Jesus’ humanity important? Did he need to become human? And if so, for what purpose? Why is He required to be divine?
- Talk about His three-fold office (prophet, priest, king). Why a prophet? Why a priest? Why a king? Which aspect do you tend to concentrate on most? Least?
- Consider His three states (humiliation, glorification, exultation). Which is hardest to grasp and why? (see Phil. 2:5-11)
Prayer
Jesus, You made the greatest claim anyone has ever made. You claimed to be God. Allow Your Spirit to be this bold in our own lives. However, also allow us to know that this courage comes from Your Spirit as we are prone to take credit for this courage at times. You used this courage to also exercise humility. Humble us to know that our strength comes from the Great I am, and allow us to constantly remember that strength at all times.
Greek Word of the Day
English Word: taste | Transliterated Word: geuomai (ghyoo-om-ahee)
To taste, to eat, to experience. Metaphorically: to experience, prove, partake of
Family Engagement Activity
Today, let’s see how well you know your prophets, priests, and kings of the Bible. Take this quiz and see who gets the best score! https://www.sporcle.com/games/bamachile/only-one-is-all Post your scores on Facebook or challenge other families. Talk with your family about what each of these does (prophet, priest, king). Ask them, which would they want to be if they could choose?
ALSO
Today, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Although this is more of a lifestyle, perform one task that gives evidence to someone that you trust and obey these words of scripture.
Going Activities To Consider
Today, in humility, value others above yourself not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. You can also take this fun quiz to test your knowledge of prophets, priests, and kings in scripture: https://www.sporcle.com/games/bamachile/only-one-is-all