Amazing grace Baptist Church, Hamburg

Amazing Grace Baptist Church, Hamburg
Bible study material on John 8:21-30

Introduction
John 8 presents Jesus’ conflicts with the religious leaders of his day. In this chapter, Jesus presents some important contrasts. In John 8:21-30, Jesus brings out the idea of heaven and earth to demonstrate that having faith in Jesus is essential for one’s eternal destination.

Jesus declared himself as being in the world but not of the world
In John 8:21-30, Jesus continues his conversation with the Pharisees by telling them that he will be going away. The Pharisees might have been confused when Jesus said that they will die in their sin. Jesus then told them where he was going that the pharisees will not be able to follow him. The major reason why the Pharisees would be unable to go where Jesus was going is that only the forgiven and redeemed will be able to follow the Lord.

Jesus’ declares himself as “IAM” and thus the saviour
Jesus’ listeners, however, did not understand what he meant. For they understood Jesus’ words literary and that did not make any sense to them. Jesus further told them that if they do not believe that he is the “I AM,” they will die in their sinfulness. Here, since the pharisees saw themselves to be holy, they were surprised to hear that from Jesus.

Jesus declared himself as one having special relationship with the Father (John 8:26-30)
Jesus told the Jews that he came from heaven. The Father sent him (verse 26), taught him (verse 28) and remained with him (verse 29). The Father forsook his Son only when Jesus was made sin for us on the cross. In verse 28, Jesus spoke of being “lifted up.” The Jews in Jesus’ day understood the expression lifted up to signify crucifixion. He had mentioned this to Nicodemus in 3:14-16, and he would mention it again in 12:32-34.

Conclusion: Faith in Jesus determines our eternal destination
There are two births: from above, being born again by God’s Spirit, and from this world, being naturally born. And there are two ways to die: the sinner dies in his/her sins, but the believer dies in the Lord (Revelation 14:13). It is faith in Jesus the Messiah makes the difference.

Questions
1. How would you feel if you were told you are going to die in your sin?
2. With reference to Jesus’ statement that “I AM,” how is Jesus unique?
3. How can we allow Jesus to be the “IAM” in our lives?