The article titled “John 8 – Lesson 10” provides an insightful and engaging exploration of the tenth lesson from the book of John in the Bible. The lesson is taught by Cathy Craig in a Tuesday Women’s Bible Study, with the video provided by Refuge Calvary Chapel. The article covers various key topics, such as Jesus speaking to the Jews who believed in Him, discussing the importance of abiding in His word and knowing the truth. Jesus confronts the Jews about their sin and lack of understanding, but offers forgiveness and freedom to those who believe in Him. The dialogue becomes heated, with the Jews accusing Jesus of having a demon, and Jesus asserting that He is greater than Abraham and using the name of God, “I Am”. The lesson concludes with a prayer and worship session. Overall, this article provides an enlightening study on an important passage from the book of John, led by Cathy Craig in a Tuesday Women’s Bible Study at Refuge Calvary Chapel.
Lesson 10 of John 8
Overview of Lesson 10
In Lesson 10 of John 8, taught by Cathy Craig, the focus is on the teachings of Jesus to the Jews who believed in Him. The lesson delves into the importance of abiding in His word, confronting sin and lack of understanding, offering forgiveness and freedom, and asserting His authority and identity as the Light of the World.
Importance of John 8 in Understanding Jesus’ Message
John 8 plays a significant role in understanding Jesus’ message because it encompasses several key themes and lessons that help illuminate His teachings. These include the importance of abiding in His word, confronting sin and lack of understanding, and offering forgiveness and freedom to believers. Through this chapter, we gain insights into Jesus’ authority and identity as well as His willingness to challenge societal norms and religious leaders.
Key Themes and Lessons from John 8
Throughout John 8, there are several key themes and lessons that emerge.
One of the main themes is the importance of abiding in Jesus’ word and knowing the truth. Jesus emphasizes that those who truly abide in His word are His disciples and will know the truth, which ultimately sets them free. This highlights the significance of actively engaging with His teachings and allowing them to shape our lives.
Another theme is Jesus’ confrontation of sin and lack of understanding. He addresses the Jews who believed in Him, exposing their sinful actions and challenging their limited understanding of His message. This serves as a reminder that true discipleship involves acknowledging and repenting of our own sinfulness.
Furthermore, Jesus offers forgiveness and freedom to those who believe in Him. Despite the Jews’ attempts to condemn Him, Jesus extends grace and mercy, urging them to go and sin no more. This highlights the transformative power of His forgiveness and the opportunity for a renewed life in Him.
Additionally, Jesus asserts Himself as the Light of the World. He proclaims that He is the ultimate source of spiritual illumination, guiding humanity out of darkness and into the light. This theme underscores Jesus’ unique role as the Savior and the hope He offers to all who believe in Him.
Lastly, John 8 showcases the Jews questioning Jesus’ authority and claiming Abraham as their father. In response, Jesus confronts them about their true father, the devil, and asserts His own divine authority. This serves as a reminder that faith in Jesus requires surrendering our own claims to authority and acknowledging Him as Lord.
Taught by Cathy Craig
Role of Cathy Craig in Tuesday Women’s Bible Study
Cathy Craig is the facilitator of the Tuesday Women’s Bible Study group. She plays a crucial role in leading and guiding the discussions, ensuring that the participants engage with the material and gain a deeper understanding of the Scriptures.
Background and Expertise of Cathy Craig
Cathy Craig brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Tuesday Women’s Bible Study group. Her background includes a strong foundation in biblical studies and a passion for teaching and sharing the Word of God with others. Her expertise and deep understanding of the Scriptures enable her to effectively communicate the lessons and engage the participants in meaningful discussions.
Reasons for Choosing John 8 as the Focus of the Lesson
The choice to focus on John 8 for the lesson is deliberate and purposeful. John 8 contains profound teachings and interactions between Jesus and the Jews that offer valuable insights into His message and ministry. The themes and lessons present in this chapter provide a rich source of discussion and reflection, making it an ideal focal point for the study.
Context of the Study
Refuge Calvary Chapel
The Tuesday Women’s Bible Study takes place at Refuge Calvary Chapel. This church serves as the gathering place for the study group and provides a supportive and nurturing environment for participants to engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.
Setting of the Tuesday Women’s Bible Study
The Tuesday Women’s Bible Study is held within the premises of Refuge Calvary Chapel. The study group meets regularly to delve into various passages of the Bible and engage in fruitful discussions that encourage spiritual growth and understanding.
Target Audience and Purpose of the Bible Study
The target audience for the Tuesday Women’s Bible Study is women who desire to deepen their understanding of the Scriptures and grow in their relationship with God. The purpose of the study is to provide a space for women to come together, learn from one another, and apply the teachings of the Bible to their daily lives.
Jesus’ Audience in John 8
Identification of the Jews Who Believed in Him
In John 8, Jesus addresses the Jews who believed in Him. These individuals were part of the Jewish community and had expressed faith and belief in Jesus as the Messiah. However, their understanding and commitment to Him were still in need of growth and transformation.
Jesus’ Message to the Jews
Jesus’ message to the Jews who believed in Him focused on challenging their sin and lack of understanding. He urged them to abide in His word, know the truth, and experience the freedom that comes from that knowledge. His teachings sought to deepen their faith and encourage them to align their lives with His teachings.
Importance of Jesus’ Words in the Context of His Ministry
Jesus’ words in John 8 hold significant weight in the context of His ministry. They shed light on His mission, authority, and identity as the Savior. By addressing the Jews who believed in Him, He emphasized the importance of true discipleship and challenged them to fully embrace His teachings and experience transformation in their lives.
Teachings in John 8
Abide in His Word and Knowing the Truth
One of the key teachings in John 8 is the importance of abiding in Jesus’ word and knowing the truth. Jesus emphasizes that true discipleship involves an active engagement with His teachings, leading to a deeper understanding of the truth that sets people free. This teaching highlights the transformative power of the Word of God in our lives.
Confronting the Jews About Their Sin and Lack of Understanding
In John 8, Jesus confronts the Jews who believed in Him about their sin and lack of understanding. He challenges their actions and exposes their hypocrisy, urging them to repent and align their lives with His teachings. This confrontational aspect of His ministry serves as a reminder that true discipleship requires acknowledging and addressing our own sinfulness.
Offering Forgiveness and Freedom to Believers
Despite the Jews’ attempts to condemn Him, Jesus offers forgiveness and freedom to those who believe in Him. He extends grace and mercy, urging them to go and sin no more. This teaching highlights the transformative power of His forgiveness and the opportunity for a renewed life in Him.
Jesus as the Light of the World
Another important teaching in John 8 is Jesus asserting Himself as the Light of the World. He proclaims that He is the ultimate source of spiritual illumination, guiding humanity out of darkness and into the light. This teaching emphasizes His divine role as the Savior and the hope He offers to all who believe in Him.
Questioning Jesus’ Authority and Claiming Abraham as Their Father
The Jews who believed in Jesus question His authority and claim Abraham as their father. In response, Jesus confronts them about their true father, the devil, and asserts His own divine authority. This teaching serves as a reminder that true faith in Jesus requires surrendering our own claims to authority and acknowledging Him as Lord.
Jesus’ Response to the Jews’ Claims
Claiming to Be Sent by God and Knowing Him
When confronted by the Jews about His authority and claims, Jesus asserts that He was sent by God and knows Him. He emphasizes His divine connection and position as the Son of God, which challenges the Jews’ limited understanding of His identity. This response highlights Jesus’ authority and mission.
Confronting the Jews About Their True Father
Jesus confronts the Jews about their true father, the devil, who they unknowingly serve by rejecting Him. He exposes the spiritual deception and challenges their allegiance to the evil one. This confrontation emphasizes the contrast between following God and being influenced by the enemy.
Heated Dialogue and Accusations
As the dialogue between Jesus and the Jews intensifies, the conversation becomes heated, and accusations are thrown. The Jews accuse Jesus of having a demon, further highlighting the resistance and hostility He faces from those who reject Him. This heated exchange reveals the depth of the division and unbelief among the Jews.
Jesus’ Assertion of Being Greater Than Abraham
In response to the Jews’ claims of being descendants of Abraham, Jesus asserts that He is greater than Abraham. He declares His preexistence and eternal nature, which challenges their limited understanding of Him as a mere human being. This assertion emphasizes His divine authority and superiority over all.
Using the Name of God, ‘I Am’
Jesus invokes the name of God, saying “I Am,” to assert His divine identity and authority. This declaration echoes the name that God revealed to Moses in the burning bush, solidifying Jesus’ connection to the Father and His divine role as the Savior. This statement further reinforces His claims and confronts the Jews’ disbelief.
Violent Reaction of the Jews
Jews Attempting to Stone Jesus
In response to Jesus’ teachings and claims, the Jews become violent and attempt to stone Him. Their anger and hostility reveal the depth of their rejection of Him and their determination to silence His message. This violent reaction underscores the intense resistance faced by Jesus throughout His ministry.
Jesus’ Escape and Passing By Them
Despite the Jews’ attempts to harm Him, Jesus escapes their grasp and passes by them. His miraculous evasion highlights His power and protection, illustrating that His time had not yet come. This event serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and Jesus’ ability to overcome any obstacle.
Significance of the Jews’ Physical Aggression
The Jews’ physical aggression towards Jesus signifies their unbelief and rejection of His message. Their violent response depicts the opposition faced by Jesus during His ministry and foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. It serves as a stark reminder of the human resistance to the truth and the lengths some are willing to go to suppress it.
Conclusion of the Lesson
Closing Prayer
The lesson concludes with a closing prayer, where Cathy Craig offers thanks to God and seeks His continued guidance and presence in the lives of the participants. The prayer acknowledges God’s goodness, grace, and the transformative power of His Word.
Moments of Worship
Following the prayer, moments of worship take place, where the participants engage in singing and praising God. These moments provide an opportunity for reflection, surrender, and gratitude as the participants express their love and devotion to their Creator.
Summary of Key Takeaways from Lesson 10
In summary, Lesson 10 of John 8 teaches us the importance of abiding in Jesus’ word, confronting sin and lack of understanding, and embracing His offer of forgiveness and freedom. It highlights Jesus as the Light of the World and calls us to question our own claims to authority and surrender to Him as Lord. The lesson also emphasizes the spiritual resistance faced by Jesus and the need for believers to fully embrace His teachings, even in the face of opposition. Overall, the lesson invites us to deepen our understanding of Jesus’ message and apply His teachings to our lives.
