These hard-headed people just don’t get it. The truth is staring them in the face! Literally. Jesus is the truth and speaks the truth. The people hear what Jesus is saying, but they can not comprehend it. I liked how Jesus said there is no room in their hearts for his message. That struck a chord didn’t it? Have you left room for Jesus’ message in your heart?
Have you ever taught a Sunday school class or some other venue and felt like nobody was really hearing you? Your audience may look like they are listening, but then they don’t follow the directions you’ve just given them. Jesus was doing a great job of keeping his cool with this group. They seemed to think they had the answers and what Jesus was saying was just nonsense. If only Abraham could have been there. He would have recognized Jesus and straightened out his descendants once and for all.
The people said they loved God, and God himself was their true father. Think about that for just a moment. If that was true, and they believed it was, how was it they didn’t recognize Jesus? Obviously, Jesus’ word wasn’t enough to convince them. In fact, Jesus’ words were getting him into trouble. He was claiming something beyond comprehension. Yet, their tradition was familiar with the coming Messiah. Now that he was here, they were missing it!
My take away is that I don’t want to miss a thing. I don’t want to take Jesus for granted so that I miss out on an opportunity to spend time with him, learn from him, grow closer to him. What is standing in your way, blocking you from seeing God and experiencing a rich relationship with him? Is it lack of time? Is it doubt?
We see Jesus spend some time talking about the evil one. From the beginning, the devil has hated the truth. He is the father of lies. He is instrumental in driving a wedge between Jesus and his people. He continues to do the same with us today. Jesus gives us a wake-up call here, “Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.” Are you listening?
I belong to God. I am loved by God.
Let’s pray. Father, God I stand against the evil one who wants to fill my head with lies and false beliefs. I want to be in your will and do the things that will please you. I don’t seek glory, but only to glorify you. I have a hard time when people compliment me. Help me be gracious and point to you. Empty my heart of me and my desires so that I will be open and ready to be filled with you and your way. Your future for me is so much better than I could ever imagine. May I be a blessing to those I encounter today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
