Friday, September 12, 2008

Carl's Blogged Bible Study, John 8

Man, to be honest I didn't feel like writing a post today. In fact my last post was last Friday. Thus said, nothing deep today, just a VERY short post of two observations.

John 8:9...Why did the older ones leave first?

  • Maybe with age comes wisdom...wisdom says, "this is an argument we can't win."
  • Everyone always assumes you can't teach on old dog a new trick...I hear this crap all the time when it comes to the church itself. Relevance, new movement, blah blah blah. Anyway, contrary to popular belief, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, while heavily dogmatic, were not a bunch of guys hung up on making religion intolerable for the masses. It is hard to picture, but the truth is most of them hated Jesus so much because they were so passionate about pursuing God in heaven, they were not looking for him on earth. Maybe, after a lifetime of pious devotion, the older generation were closer to God...heard his voice clearer. They learned their lesson sooner?
  • Who knows...I don't have any resources available right now so it's guess.
My second observation is just to point out the irony. In the beginning of the chapter, Jesus saves a woman from being stoned. His cleverly divine words did the trick. At the end of the chapter, Jesus' cleverly divine words lead to his almost being stoned.

Usually John states that, while the leaders wanted to kill him, they were unable because it wasn't Jesus' time. This time however, John states Jesus had to hide. Despite the fact that it wasn't his time, the leaders ignored their ever deadening consciences and tried to take matters in their own hands. Obviously this process led to the cricifixion. It reminds me of the hardening of Pharaoh's heart in Exodus.

7 comments:

Annie said...

Good thoughts, Nate. I had noticed that too about the older ones leaving first. I think I'm likely to attribute it to the wisdom of age - and the knowledge of how many things you've done wrong comes more easily to the older than the younger. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

The irony of the stonings caught my attention as well. The way you put that was great...makes me wonder what His words will bring today.

Thanks for posting, Nate. Your thoughts are always compelling.

Anonymous said...

The older leaving first...i thought about this too..wondering if it was wisdom, or the thought that they would be standing before HIM sooner. :)

love your posts..still praying for you...hope to hear some good news soon...

Anonymous said...

Nate...well??? how did the interview go?? any good news?? I saw your comment over at tams today...and thought..I am praying for you..sooooo come on..spill it :)

Anonymous said...

For not feeling like writing, that was pretty good stuff. I especially liked your idea of the Pharisees being so focused on God in heaven they missed his coming on earth. Very good insight.

Thanks.

RC said...

good post, i'm glad you posted. Jesus' words are incredible!

Peter said...

Jesus always got himself into trouble for the shenanigans of humanity. Finally, he took the ultimate punishment. I wonder if being Christians mean we "take the fall" for the world, so to speak?

Man, and I thought we were just supposed to make signs that said how wrong everyone was!