The Gospel of John: John 8.12-30

Read and meditate on John 8.20, 21.
We’re still in the temple, specifically, in that part referred to as the treasury. This is not an incidental observation on John's part.

                                                                   ²⁰He was in
the treasury when He spoke these words to them,
as He was teaching in the temple. No
one dared to lay a hand on Him (although
they might have), for His hour had not yet come.
²¹Then Jesus said to them, “I’m going from
you; you will seek Me, but will perish in
your sin.” Where I go, you cannot begin
to enter.”

- John 8.20, 21

Reflect
1.  The temple treasury was where people came to give their gifts and offerings. Why do you suppose John took the time to point this out for us? Complete this prayer: Lord, You are the Father’s greatest gift, and the only sacrifice that could…

2.  No one “laid hands” on Jesus at that time. When people came into the treasury, the priests “laid hands” on their offerings. Then what happened to those offerings? Was it time for this to happen to Jesus? Why not? Lord, let my life be under Your control, just as Yours is, so that…

3.  John again mentions Jesus’ “hour.” To what is He pointing forward? Why does John keep bringing this up? Who is controlling the movement toward this “hour”? You are Lord of time, Lord Jesus! Govern the time of my life so that…

4.  Jesus told the Jews that they would die in their sin. Well, that doesn’t sound like Good News? Or is it? Explain. Lord, can people really understand the Good News without first…

5.  Jesus has moved from light and darkness to life and death in this brief conversation. Sounds like the Gospel Jesus proclaimed is rather cut-and-dried. It’s either this or that. Is the Good News about Jesus just your opinion? Or is it more? Explain. Bring together into one your prayers from questions 1-4.

Summary
“This is an instance of power, not of necessity. He waited for this hour. It was not the fated but the fitting and voluntary hour. This was that all might first be fulfilled that was supposed to be fulfilled before his death.” Augustine (354-430 AD)

We are waiting for another “hour” of our Lord Jesus Christ. Which is that? Are you as faithful in your witness toward that hour as Jesus was toward His?

Closing Prayer
Why do the nations rage,
And the people plot a vain thing?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
And the rulers take counsel together,
Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
“Let us break Their bonds in pieces
And cast away Their cords from us.”
He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;
The LORD shall hold them in derision.
Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,
And distress them in His deep displeasure:
“Yet I have set My King
On My holy hill of Zion.”

Psalm 2.1-6

Psalm 2.1-6 (Agincourt: O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High!)
Why do the nations vainly rage,
Conspiring together from age to age?
Earth’s kings and all of their counselors stand
Against the Lord and His Right Hand:

“Now let us cast His yoke below,
His Kingdom authority overthrow!
Throw off His Law, reject His Word;
No more be governed by this Lord!”

The Lord in heaven laughs in wrath
At all who embark on this cursèd path.
His angry Word to them is plain:
“Yet shall My King in Zion reign!”
           
T. M. Moore

Men, God is calling you to pray. Watch this brief video, then seek the Lord for how you can join our Men at Prayer movement.

Watch my Conversation with Philip R. Jackson, and see what you can learn about following our Leader Jesus (click here).

We are happy to offer each week’s Scriptorium studies in a free weekly PDF, suitable for personal or group use. You can download all the studies in our series on the Gospel of John by clicking here. Please prayerfully consider sharing with The Fellowship of Ailbe through your giving. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute button at the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.