Get Aligned With A New Perspective On Jesus

Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” — John 8:43-47

Over many days now, I have tried to establish a very different perspective on Jesus for you. Most people picture Jesus as a quiet, reserved, and effeminate man. But that's not the Jesus we read about in John 8.

Let's back up about a week or so in the narrative and look at Jesus again.

Before going up to the Feast of Booths, his half-brothers dare him to reveal his authority and ministry there. Jesus then urges them to go and tells them he is not going with them. But he does go on his own. He quietly attends without anyone's knowledge. We discover that the religious authorities wanted to arrest and kill him, which is being discussed everywhere across the city. But for the first four days of the Feast, he just quietly observes and listens in. Then on days four through eight, he begins teaching on the Temple grounds, and his teaching is bold and direct. It's different from what people expected.

Then on the day after the Feast (where we are now in the text), he returns for more. He calls out their misunderstandings, theological confusion, assumptions, sin, desires, and easy believism. And then he tells them their father is not Abraham; it's the devil. He states this not once, not twice, not three times, but four times. He tells them they are sons of the devil. (John 8:38, 41, 44) So I hope you see Jesus differently today than in the past. He is dangerous, bold, truthful, courageous, and persistent. But he acts this way out of love because he wants us to understand.

And that's the primary issue of this text. Jesus desperately wants them to understand. But their deception runs too deep. Their desires are so tuned to the devil's deception that they cannot hear the truth. And please keep in mind that Jesus is speaking to religious people. Men like you and me.

This would be like Jesus sneaking into one of our church services and standing up in the middle of it and saying to attendees:

You look like you desire God, but you don't. You desire the devil because you don't listen to my word or act on my truth.

Here's the application. If you have a desire that is out of line, get that desire aligned with the Father's will.

ASK THIS: Do you have a desire that is out of line with the Father's will?

DO THIS: Confess that desire and get aligned.

PRAY THIS: God, take my old desires and give me new ones that are only and all for you.

PLAY THIS: I Give You My Heart.

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5 thoughts on “Get Aligned With A New Perspective On Jesus

  1. Dennis says:

    Drop the mic Vince! This is so powerful. A look at Jesus that may glaze over! We need to have the boldness that Jesus displayed in the scriptures. So powerful. You got me all fired up Brother. Warrior on my Brother!

  2. gonzalo says:

    Love it, brother Vince.

    In my conversations with my small groups, one on one meeting with brothers, etc I often say it but false to go further with the statement “the God of the OT and the same one in the NT”. Some people still see them worlds apart, so false; the butt kicking God we have been told, read, and portrait in the OT is the same butt kicking God (Jesus) in the NT. Yet again you, brother Vince, have point this out to us and letting us know more of our wonderful God and His HUGE heart for us, appreciate the “very different perspective on Jesus” you are bringing to us.

    May God give you, brother Vince, even more wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to teach us more about our Lord Jesus in love; amen.

  3. Eddie Ackerman says:

    I think it’s also important to remember that at this point in time, Jesus had not been resurrected yet, so not everyone had the opportunity to accept the free gift of His grace and be indwelt by the Holy Spirit. WE have that advantage; from the time we are born until the day we meet God for judgement. How convicting, Brother Vince, that if Jesus picked potentially ANY church in our country, He could STILL stand up and honestly call some, most, or even (possibly, but not hopefully) the ENTIRE congregation children of the enemy, not children of God. Thanks again Vince for these devotionals that always speak to me daily and make me want to deepen my faith and relationship with the Vine.

  4. Eddie says:

    I think you expressed the real Jesus, the Lord we follow, the always active, knowing well who He is. Focussed, bold and persistent on us to understand He is our only way to the father.
    Thanks brother Vince for helping us to start the day with our minds towards the goal., to live a surrended life to our Lord and God.
    Well chosen wokship songs as well. Blessings.

  5. Duane McPheeters says:

    Hi Vince: Looking forward on May 1 to begin 14 special days in the Word. I’m starting Monday on a 5 week motor home trip to many National Parks and will view & ponder God’s creation. Your a blessing to me. I’m challenged by your insight in God’s Word. Thank You Vince

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