John 8:21-30
Sermon Response
SON OF MAN LIFTED UP
Read John 8:21-30
Jesus is still teaching the crowd and he is getting frustrated. They refuse to believe he is who he says he is. So Jesus turns up the pressure. He says once more, “I am leaving, you will look for me, and you will die in your sins.” The last part is harsh, but true. Anyone who does not believe that Jesus is the Son of God will die in their sinful nature, for only faith in Jesus can make a sinful man righteous. Jesus finishes the section by saying that more of you will believe when I have been “lifted up.” The cross will be a defining moment that will help others see Jesus for who he truly is.
Discuss:
What does it mean to “die in your sins”?
Why will more people believe when Jesus is lifted up?
Why did the people assume Jesus was going to commit suicide?
Why does it matter that Jesus is from above and man is from below? What is Jesus referring to when he says this?
Respond:
On Sunday I finished the message by asking these four questions. The purpose of the questions was for individuals to examine themselves and discover the true state of their belief in Jesus.
Everything Jesus says comes from the father (vs 28). Do you honestly believe that everything Jesus says is true?
Jesus was obedient to God and it resulted in his death on a cross, do you believe that God demands us to lay down our lives in faith for Jesus?
Do you believe in Jesus for your salvation, or do you hedge your bet with legalism?
Do you believe in Jesus for the removal of sins effect in your life (death, disobedience) or do you believe in your own strength to rid yourself of sin.
Prayer
God give us the grace necessary to have full faith in your Son Jesus. May our lives reflect this faith and may it be completely true. Help us believe your every word as truth, our need to lay down our lives for you, that our salvation is 100% from you, and that you remove all of sins effect from our life.