Tuesday 21 July 2026

Psalm 78:1-7

Background
This week we are reading chapter 8 of John's Gospel and it does not get any easier! Jesus becomes harsher with those asking questions who argue with him having already made up their minds. They are not prepared to change or accept what Jesus has to say. Three times Jesus says "You will die in your sin." The word for sin is the Greek hamartia – which had to do with shooting and missing the target. In this case, missing the target is failing to recognise who Jesus is.

Jesus is mocked in a grim fashion. First it is suggested that Jesus might kill himself which in that context was terrible blasphemy that led to hell. They will not follow him there. They ask in verse 25 "Who are you?" trying to draw him out. In Jesus’ response one can feel energy, urgency and frustration. Verse 25 is difficult to translate. Jesus' response can be as written here, or it can be, "To begin with, why am I even speaking to you?"

Jesus goes on to explain that all will come to understand Jesus as a judge. They will also see who Jesus is when he is crucified and rises from the dead as one who loves and will never let go. Jesus makes it clear that he is not claiming divinity in and of himself. He is dependent on God, his father, for all he does and says. Jesus makes clear that God is with him because he speaks what he has been taught and he does what pleases God – the one who sent him. The closeness of this relationship is hard to imagine. It is complete obedience to the will of God.

This passage records a difficult exchange. There is mockery and disbelief. We see Jesus' frustration and prediction of his death. But John finishes with an observation that is full of hope as Jesus tried to make clear his relationship to God: "As he was saying these things, many believed in him." (v. 30)

To Ponder:

• How can we know that we are living the will of God?
• How do people come to know and believe in God?

Prayer
Gracious God
Even though I miss the mark
You give me another chance.
You transform situations and lives
Through the glory of the cross. Amen

Bible notes author: Dr Tom Lunt
Dr Tom Lunt is a Methodist local preacher, prison chaplain and lecturer. He lives with his wife Liz in East Sussex.