Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the apostle John. More specifically today’s passage is found in verses thirty-one through fifty-nine of this New Testament gospel. “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, WE be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? Even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth my of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” (John 8:31-48). “Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? And the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, if I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by” (John 8:49-59). When you come to this particular portion of Scripture you will find the continuation of the exchange which took place between the Lord Jesus Christ and those who were present in the Temple. If you begin reading the words which are found in the opening verses of the eighth chapter you will find that after Jesus went unto the mount of Olives He came unto the Temple early in the morning. There in the Temple of the LORD many people gathered themselves unto Him and He began teaching there in that place. It would in the context of Jesus teaching the people the scribes and the Pharisees would come dragging a woman who had been caught in the very act of adultery. In the midst of the Temple, before Jesus and in the presence of all those who were present on this particular Jesus would indeed be confronted by the Pharisees—and not only confronted by the Pharisees but also confronted by religion and by the Law. If you read the words which are found here in this passage of Scripture you will find the Pharisees and scribes bringing unto Jesus a woman who was caught in the act of adultery and accusing her there in the Temple before Him and all those who were present before Him. What’s more is that the scribes and Pharisees didn’t merely accuse this woman of her adultery and transgression for they would also seek to condemn her according to the Law stating that Moses demanded how such a one be stoned to death. It is absolutely necessary we recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our focus to Jesus’ response to the scribes and the Pharisees. What’s so unique and interesting about the words presented in this passage is that Jesus never explicitly addressed or spoke to the woman after hearing the accusation and condemnation. What’s more is that neither did Jesus speak unto the scribes and the Pharisees after hearing their accusation of this woman and the condemnation they brought against her according to the Law of Moses. Scripture reveals how when Jesus heard their accusation and condemnation He neither addressed the accused nor did He address the accuser(s). What Jesus did instead was stoop down in the ground and begin writing in the dirt and dust which was present there in the midst of the Temple as though He had not even heard their accusation or condemnation. The apostle John writes and records how the scribes and Pharisees would again present the question unto Jesus asking Him what He said concerning the accusation brought against this woman and the condemnation and judgment that was found in the Law of Moses. It would be in response to this second time He was asked Jesus would stand up from where He had just been stooped down toward the ground and make one simple and yet profound declaration. Jesus would in fact declare unto those who were present that he who was without sin could cast the first stone at her. There were no other words spoken by the Lord Jesus unto the scribes, unto the Pharisees nor unto those who were present. What we find happening in response to the words which Jesus spoke was this woman’s accusers departing from the Temple one by one beginning with the oldest and continuing to the youngest. The apostle John writes and records how those who were present—those who stood to accuse this woman, those who stood to condemn this woman and those who even sought to execute judgment against this woman all departed from the Temple one by one being pricked in their conscience. I sit here today thinking about the words which are found here in this passage of Scripture and I am captivated with how Jesus handled the scribes and the Pharisees and their accusation and condemnation. What’s more is that it is absolutely astounding and beautiful to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and see how Jesus would completely and utterly deliver this woman from each of her accusers. It’s incredibly powerful and profound to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and to consider that Jesus didn’t merely deliver this woman from some of her accusers nor did Jesus deliver this woman from most of her accusers. The apostle John writes how when those who were present on this particular day heard Jesus’ words they were each convicted by their own conscience and went out one by one beginning at the eldest even unto the last. What I so love about the words which are present in this passage of Scripture is how the apostle John writes how Jesus was left alone and the woman standing in the midst. What we find next is one of the most beautiful displays of grace, of mercy and of compassion and forgiveness in all the gospels. The apostle John writes how when Jesus lifted Himself up after stooping back down to the ground He would look about and see that all those who stood to accuse this woman had departed. What’s more is the only words Jesus would speak to this woman would be words of compassion and tenderness. Jesus would ask the woman, saying, “Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?” Oh stop and consider how incredibly unique and powerful that question truly is for nowhere in this interaction or encounter do you find Jesus accusing nor condemning this woman. In fact when the woman responded to Jesus and declared that there was none to accuse her Jesus not only commanded her to go and sin n more but He would also declare that he did not condemn her. Pause for a moment and consider the tremendous and incredible truth that is found within these verses for they call and draw our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding Jesus and not only how He handled and dealt with religion and with the religious leaders but also addressed accusation and condemnation. This was perhaps the only time in each of the four gospels where the scribes and Pharisees sought to condemn and accuse someone and dared bring them into the presence of the Lord Jesus. I cannot think of another time within the four gospels where the scribes and the Pharisees brought one into the presence of the Lord Jesus and accused and condemned them. Of course we know that they sought to condemn His disciples for eating corn on the sabbath, however, this is—to my knowledge—the only time in any of the four gospels where the scribes and Pharisees would deliberately and intentionally bring one into the presence of Jesus to accuse and condemn them. What’s more is that if you take the time to read the words found in this passage of Scripture you will find that the scribes and the Pharisees stood to accuse this woman in the presence of Jesus, however, they would leave the condemnation to the Law. The condemnation the scribes and Pharisees would bring against this woman would not be their own condemnation nor would the judgment they spoke of be their own judgment. The scribes and the Pharisees would accuse this woman of adultery and yet when it comes to the condemnation and judgment against her they would appeal to Moses and what was written in the Law. The scribes and Pharisees would speak unto Jesus and declare unto Him that Moses in the Law demands that such a one be stoned to death and would then ask Jesus what He thought. Oh how absolutely wonderful and incredible this truly is when you take the time to think about and consider it for it calls and draws our attention to the beautiful compassion displayed by the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. As you read the words presented in this passage of Scripture you will find that after Jesus delivered this woman from her accusers and delivered her from the condemnation He would not only ask her where her accusers were and if there was none to condemn her but He would also declare unto her that He didn’t condemn her. What makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to think about and consider it is when you understand that Jesus never addressed that for which the woman had been accused. Jesus never asked the woman of her adultery nor her motives and intentions behind committing it. Jesus never demanded an explanation from this woman nor did He demand an apology from her for committing such an act. There is absolutely no mention within this passage of Scripture that suggests Jesus ever even spoke unto this woman of her sin and that for which she had been accused. Of course Jesus knew this woman was undoubtedly guilty of adultery and had indeed been caught in the act. Undoubtedly Jesus was well aware of what was written in the Law and knew the command had been given by the Father not to commit adultery. Jesus was well verses and knowledgeable of what was written in the Law of Moses and yet He would not demand of this woman anything that was written in the Law. What’s more is that Jesus didn’t even demand nor would He call for that which the Law required in response to such a one who had been caught in the act of adultery. Jesus could have very easily declared unto the scribes and the Pharisees that this woman should be stoned to death because of her adultery and transgression. Jesus could have aligned Himself with the accusation of the scribes and the Pharisees and even aligned Himself with the Law of Moses and the condemnation that was directly linked and connected to it. What we find, however, is that Jesus neither aligned Himself with religion nor did He align Himself with the Law as it pertained to this woman. Jesus neither aligned Himself with the accusation of religion nor with the condemnation of the Law in the matter of this woman but demonstrated that for which He had declared unto Nicodemus who cam e unto Him by night. It would be unto Nicodemus the Lord Jesus would declare how the Father sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the third chapter of this New Testament gospel and the words which Jesus would speak unto Nicodemus who had come to Him by night. I also find it necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which the apostle Paul wrote unto the Roman saints which is found in the eighth chapter of that epistle as well as the words which the apostle Paul wrote unto the Corinthian saints which are found in the fifth chapter of the second epistle written unto them. I would also like to call and invite you to consider each of these passages of Scripture in light of what is found in the opening eleven verses of this passage of Scripture before continuing on to that which is found in the rest of the chapter. It’s interesting to note that after Jesus had delivered this woman from the accusation of religion and from the condemnation of the Law and sent this woman away in peace He would once more speak to those who were present in the midst of the Temple. Before we delve into the words and language which are found in this passage of Scripture I invite you to consider the aforementioned passages of Scripture and how they are intrinsically linked to Jesus’ interaction with the scribes and the Pharisees as well as with this woman who had been caught and taken in the act of adultery: “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind blowers where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goetheer: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye received not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John 3:5-21). “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh: but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:1-17). “Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest into your consciences. For we commend not to ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, whoa hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:9-21). “Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, they say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginnning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:1-11). It is absolutely necessary we recognize and pay attention to the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for they help us to understand how and why Jesus would not condemn nor accuse this woman. It was Jesus Himself who declared that the Father did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world to condemn it but that the world through Him might be saved. Here in this passage of Scripture we find a beautiful depiction and picture of those words live and in action in the Temple and put on display before all those who were present on this particular occasion. Oh there has been much emphasis that has been placed upon the woman in this story and even on the scribes and the Pharisees who not only accused the woman but who also stood to condemn her according to the Law of Moses. There has been much emphasis on the departure of those who would have condemned this woman and perhaps have even taken up stones ready to cast at her. What I find absolutely incredible when thinking about as I continue reading the words found in this passage of Scripture is when you consider how Jesus was indeed left alone with this woman and it would be in that place where Jesus would ask her where her accusers were and if there was any one who would condemn her. When the woman would respond unto Jesus declaring there was none to condemn her Jesus would indeed respond unto her declaring that He neither condemned her and then command her to go and sin no more and to depart in peace. It is this particular point in the narrative I find absolutely incredible when you take the time to think about it for I have to ask and wonder who was still left in the Temple with Jesus. Undoubtedly His disciples would have been with Him for it would be the apostle John who wrote about this particular narrative and account within His gospel. The apostle John would be one of those who walked with and followed the person of the Lord Jesus from the time of John the Baptist until the time of His suffering, His death, his burial, His resurrection and His ascension and would have written about this from firsthand and eyewitness experience. As I sit here today thinking about and considering the words and language which are found in this passage of Scripture I can’t help but think about how absolutely incredible it truly is when h you consider what it was like for those who were present as they witnessed these events unfold. What was it like for the disciples of Jesus rot not only witness and behold religion accuse this woman but also condemn her according to that which was written in the Law of Moses? What was it like for those who were present as Jesus taught in the Temple on this particular day to not only watch as the religious leaders of that day accused this woman of adultery and then sought to condemn her according to the Law? What did they think when they witnessed and beheld Jesus stoop down to the ground as though He had heard them not and wrote in the dirt and dust? Moreover I can’t help but wonder what those who were present on this particular day thought when Jesus stood up from where He was after continuing to be pressed by the scribes and Pharisees and invite any one who was without sin to be the first to cast a stone at her? As each one beginning at the eldest and continuing to the youngest departed one by one being pricked in their conscience I can’t help but wonder what it would have been like for those who beheld the stones falling to the ground and the accusers and those who would condemn this woman departed from the midst of the Temple. Oh how absolutely incredible it would have been for those who had previously been listening to Jesus teach now heard something entirely different and which they had not expected on this particular day. There is not a doubt in my mind that those who were present on this particular day did not expect to have a powerful lesson and teaching in the forgiveness of the Lord Jesus nor even as it pertained to Jesus not condemning others of their sin, their iniquity and transgression. What we find in this passage of Scripture is an incredible picture of Jesus delivering this woman from her accusers and from the condemnation of the Law before sending her on her way in peace having not condemned her Himself. If you continue reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find the apostle John writing how Jesus would speak again unto those who were present in the Temple declaring unto them that He was the light of the world. Moreover these words would be followed by Jesus going on to declare that he who followed Him would not walk in darkness but would have the light of life. Please don’t miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is when you take the time to consider it in light of what the apostle John wrote in the first eighteen verses of the first chapter of this gospel. It is in the first chapter of this gospel where the apostle John not only writes how the Word was in the beginning, how the Word was in the beginning with God and how the Word was God but the apostle John also writes and speaks of the Lord Jesus as being the light of the world which shone in darkness. In fact I am absolutely convinced that in order to truly understand the words which are found in this passage of Scripture it is not only necessary to consider the words which are found in the opening chapter of this gospel but also the words which are found in the fourth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative which was written by the apostle Matthew. It is in these two passages of Scripture we encounter and are brought face to face with the tremendous truth of Jesus being sent into the world as the Light which shone in the darkness. Not only this but within these passages of Scripture we find the apostle Matthew declaring that the people who sat in darkness saw a great Light which would indeed appear in the midst of the darkness. Consider if you will the following words which are found in these two passages of Scripture beginning with the words presented in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew: “Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zebulon and Nephthalim: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zebulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people which sat in darkness saw a great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up” (Matthew 4:12-16). Before moving into the words which are found in the first chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John I find it absolutely necessary to present you with the words found in the ninth chapter of the Old Testament prophetic book of Isaiah where these words referenced by the apostle Matthew were first prophesied and spoken. It is in the ninth chapter of this Old Testament prophetic book we encounter and come face to face with the tremendous and incredible prophetic word concerning the Messiah and the Christ which was to come and how the Messiah and Christ would indeed be and bring a great Light that would shine in the midst of darkness completely and utterly dispelling the darkness altogether. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the ninth chapter of the Old Testament prophetic book of Isaiah beginning to read with and from the first and opening verse: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midianites. For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:1-7). And now here are the words which are found in the first and opening chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John beginning to read with and from the first verse of the first chapter: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:1-5). “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for aw witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which ligtheth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. NO man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:1-18). It is absolutely necessary to recognize and understand the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to another passage that is found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John. I am absolutely convinced that in order to truly understand the words which the Lord Jesus would declare unto the Jews in the treasury of the Temple we must also consider the words which He spoke unto Nicodemus. I fully recognize I have already included these words as it pertains to the Father not sending His Son into the world to condemn it but that the world through Him might be saved. I understand that there might be some who feel it is not necessary to present those words a second time, however, we must needs recognize that these words were such which were spoken by the person of the Lord Jesus and ought never to be considered out of place. It is impossible to read and consider the words of Jesus too much and I firmly believe that there is a great to consider these words once more. It is within these words which were spoken by the Lord Jesus we find Him beginning to speak of and allude to the light which had come into the world. It would be in the first chapter of this gospel the apostle John wrote how the Light shone in the darkness and how the darkness comprehended it not. Here in this particular passage we find Jesus declaring unto Nicodemus that the condemnation which was present in the midst of the world is centered upon the fact that light was come into the world and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. In the first and opening chapter of this gospel we find the apostle John declaring that the darkness did not comprehend the light while it would be Jesus who would declare how the light was come into the world and men loved darkness rather than light. What’s more is Jesus would go on to declare that every one that does evil hates the light and neither can come into the light lest their deeds should be approved. Conversely those who do the truth come to the light that their deeds might be made manifest that they are wrought in God. Oh with this in mind I invite you to once more consider the following words which are found in the third chapter of this gospel beginning with the tenth verse: “Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do. Know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John 3:10-21). If you begin reading with and from the twelfth verse of the eighth chapter of this New Testament gospel you will find the apostle John writing how Jesus would once more speak unto them [the Jews] declaring that He was the light of the world and that those who followed Him would not walk in darkness but would have the light of life. It would be in response to this the Pharisees would speak and declare unto Him that He bore record of Himself and His record was not true. Jesus would respond unto the Pharisees and declare unto them that although He bore record of Himself His record WAS true for He knew from whence He came, and whither He went. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for one of the threads that is woven through this New Testament gospel is Jesus knowing that he came from the Father and knowing where He came from. It is absolutely impossible to read the words which are found in this New Testament gospel and not encounter this thread of Jesus knowing where He had come from as well as who He had come from. This reality is manifested first and foremost in the first chapter before once more being expressed in the third chapter by both Nicodemus and John the Baptist. What’s more is that this particular truth is also found in the thirteenth chapter of this gospel narrative as well when the apostle John would write of Jesus knowing that the time had come for Him to return unto His Father which was in heaven. What’s more is that this reality is also woven within the fifth chapter of this gospel narrative as well. Oh I am convinced that if and when we read this gospel narrative we must needs recognize and pay close attention to the words presented within it for woven through the fabric of this gospel is the understanding that Jesus came from and was sent by the living God. Consider if you will the following words which are found within this gospel beginning with the first chapter concerning the truth of where Jesus did indeed come from: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the truth Light, which ligtheth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:1-18). “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God” (John 1:29-34). “After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Enon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not yet cast into prison. Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am. Not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is abov e all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:22-36). It is at this point where I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which Jesus deliberately and intentionally spoke concerning Himself—and not only concerning Himself but also who He was, who had sent Him and where He came from. It would be in the third chapter of this New Testament gospel we are first introduced to Jesus Himself speaking of who He was, who had sent Him and where He had come from. This would indeed be part of the thread that was woven through the fabric of this gospel concerning who Jesus was, where He had come from and who had sent Him. This is something we must needs understand for when thinking about the Word which was made flesh there is a great need to pay close attention to as it calls and draws our attention to the wonderful and powerful truth concerning the Lord Jesus Christ and where He had come from as He knew within Himself who had sent Him and where He had indeed come from. OH it is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found within this New Testament gospel beginning to read with and from the third chapter and the fourteenth verse: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John 3:14-21). “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his works. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that repeath receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that Soweto and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soeth, and another repeath. I sent you to reap that wherein ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours” (John 4:33-38). “But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that year shall live. For as the Father hath life in himse;f so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. And the Father Himself, which hath sent me, hath born witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life” (John 5:19-40). “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:35-40).

“…NO man can come to me, excep the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that’s hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not Ethan any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if a any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever;: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (John 6:44-51). “Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father” (John 6:61-65). “Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?” (John 7:16-19). “Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me” (John 7:28-29). “Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come” (John 7:33-34). Please don’t miss the incredible truth that is found within these passages of Scripture for within them we encounter and are brought face to face with the incredible truth that Jesus did indeed and did in fact know where He came from and that He was come from God. Jesus declared that He did not need any man to bear witness or bear record of Him for He knew and understood who He was and that He had been sent by the living and eternal God. It is absolutely impossible to read this gospel narrative and not encounter and come face to face with the incredibly awesome that woven through the fabric of this gospel is the understanding that Jesus was sent from God, that Jesus came from God and that Jesus would ultimately return unto God. In fact if you turn and direct your attention to the thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth chapters you will find that interwoven throughout them is incredibly powerful language centered upon Jesus returning unto the Father knowing that He would be glorified with the same glory He had from the beginning. What’s more is that it would be in this context we find the emphatic declaration concerning the coming of the Spirit who would be the Comforter and counselor. In these chapters the coming of the Holy Spirit would indeed be intrinsically linked and connected to the departure of Jesus from the earth and His return unto the Father who had sent Him. Oh you cannot read the words found in this passage of Scripture and not come face to face with the fact that Jesus recognized and understood that He had been sent of the Father and came from Him and would ultimately return unto Him. Throughout this gospel narrative we find the Lord Jesus emphatically declaring unto the Jews—even unto His own disciples—that He had come from the living God and that the time would come when He would depart and where He was they could not follow. It is here in this passage of Scripture we find the apostle John recording Jesus’ ‘words and how He declared that He knew where He came from and where He went but how they could not tell where He came and whither He went. Jesus would declare unto those to whom He was speaking that they judged after the flesh but He Himself judged no man. If Jesus did and were to judge His judgment would be true because He was not alone for He and the Father that sent Him. I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth chapters of this gospel for within these chapters we encounter the tremendous truth surrounding Jesus’ departure from this earth and subsequent return unto the Father. Jesus would indeed declare unto His disciples that He would go the way of His Father which was in heaven and that He would depart from the earth that He might return unto them. Directly linked and connected to that would be the coming of the Holy Spirit who would be the Comforter and Counsellor for the disciples and followers of the Lord Jesus. This entire gospel is centered upon the declaration and truth that Jesus did indeed come from the Father and that the time would come when He returned unto the Father. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our focus to understanding His words concerning His idenity and position. Jesus clearly understood His identity as the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father and He also understood and knew where He had come from and that He had come from God. Jesus clearly demonstrated and declared that no man had seen the Father save the One who was with the Father from the beginning and the One who had sent Him. Jesus continually and repeatedly declared unto the Jews who His Father was and that it was His Father who had sent Him that He might declare and proclaim unto them truth. What we find in this passage of Scripture calls and draws our attention to the fact that Jesus emphatically declared unto the Jews that there was one who bore witness and record of Him—the same one from whom He had come and who had sent Him. Throughout this gospel we find Jesus speaking clearly unto the Jews and declaring unto them who His Father was and even where He had come from, however, this gospel also reveals and demonstrates the truth that the Jews could not understand much less come into agreement and alignment with the truth that Jesus came from the Father and would indeed return unto the Father. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in chapters thirteen through sixteen of this New Testament gospel for it calls and draws our attention to the wonderful truth of Jesus having come from the Father and knowing the Father had sent Him. Jesus clearly declared that His doctrine was not His own and that He came to do the will and finish the work of the One who had sent Him. Jesus emphatically declared that He did not come to serve His own purposes or intentions but rather came to fulfill the will of the One who had sent Him. Jesus would declare that He could in and of Himself do nothing but only what He hears the Father speak. Jesus would acknowledge to the Jews that He would and could only speak that which He heard the Father speak and that the works which He had done were not His own works but were the works of the Father which would bear record of both He and the Father. It would be in the fifth chapter of this gospel Jesus would declare the witnesses which testified concerning Him—namely the witness of John the Baptist, the witness of the Father and the witness of the works. Jesus would emphatically declare and proclaim unto the Jews that He did indeed come from His Father and that His Father had sent Him into the world—something which He would declare unto Nicodemus. It would be unto Nicodemus Jesus would declare that the Father loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son while in the very next verse Jesus would go on to declare that the Father did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world. Thus within each of these verses we encounter the truth surrounding the Father giving the Son and the Father sending the Son—that which would ultimately result in eternal life being granted unto those who believe in Him and have received Him. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in chapters thirteen through sixteen as I prepare to bring this writing to a close concerning Jesus’ identity as the Son and His place with the Father: “Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God” (John 13:1-3). “Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall. Seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you” (John 13:31-33). “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know” (John 14:1-4). “If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I spake unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me, that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (John 14:7-14). “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and a ye in me, and I in you” (John 14:18-20). “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23). “Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I” (John 14:28). “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you” (John 16:1-7). “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of o himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father” (John 16:13-16). As I bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture in the eighth chapter. If there is one thing we must needs recognize when reading this gospel it’s the direct relationship which existed between the Father and the Son. There is and there must be absolutely no mistake when reading the words presented in this passage of Scripture that Jesus came to demonstrate and manifest the Father unto the world. Within this passage of Scripture we find Jesus declaring unto the Jews that they neither knew Him nor His Father and if they had known Him they would have known His Father also. Jesus would further declare unto them how He went His way and they would seek him and would die in their sins being unable to come to where He was. Not only this but Jesus would also go on to declare unto the Jews that they were from beneath while He Himself was from above and that they were of this world but He was not of this world. At the very heart and center of everything Jesus said unto the Jews here in this particular passage of Scripture was His relationship to the Father and whether or not the Jews believed in Him and received Him. In fact—at the very heart and center of this gospel is what the Jews, what the scribes and Pharisees, and even what the Samaritans did with Jesus. Jesus entered into Samaria and proclaimed Himself as the Messiah unto a lowly woman and as a direct result of this He would spend two full days with the Samaritans of this city—undoubtedly declaring and demonstrating Himself to be the Messiah. The more we read this particular gospel the more we must needs recognize and understand that the single greatest thing we can do is determine within our hearts and souls whether or not we believe on the Lord Jesus and are willing to receive Him as the Christ and as the Son of the living God.