Assaulted By The Truth

The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. — John 8:48-49

Most of us in the Western part of the world will not pick up on the severity of the condemnation in this statement. But in an honor and shame-based culture, this would be a serious offense. The people were calling Jesus two things. First, a man who's a religious outcast. Second, a man who's possessed by a demon. This was double slander and double shaming. And they said it because they felt assaulted by the truth, so they assaulted the person back. But in the end, it reveals what they really believe about Jesus.

Most arguments end up right here, don't they? They escalate until someone says something that really hurts. This hurtful statement often reveals what they really believe. In this case, it revealed that of the many who said they believed (John 8:30), some did not.

Here's some wisdom for you today.

As you read and hear the words of Jesus, let them assault you. Let his words assault your darkest desires. And as he does remember, he is fighting for you, not against you. So fight the impulse to fight with Jesus. You will not win in a fight with him anyway.

ASK THIS: Where are you fighting with Jesus?

DO THIS: Stop fighting.

PRAY THIS: God, I am tired of fighting with you.

PLAY THIS: Surrounded.