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Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

Read John 8:42-47.

1. As we continue with our brief series \\u201c8:46,\\u201d what did you think about Jesus being at The Feast of Tabernacles in this week\\u2019s passage, just like Solomon was in last week\\u2019s passage? Is that mere coincidence, or do you think God is using \\u201c8:46\\u201d to get our attention?

2. How might Jesus\\u2019 disagreement/debate with the Jewish leaders be similar to the split between the northern and southern kingdoms we discussed last week? How might they be similar to the divide in our country today?

3. In the larger passage comprising chapters 7 and 8, there is a comparison (contrast) among fathers\\u2026God, Abraham and the devil. How are these father figures different from each other and what do their differences mean for our lives?

4. How do some Christians today fall prey to similar erroneous logic as those who considered themselves children of Abraham in today\\u2019s passage?

5. Why does Jesus refer to the devil as the \\u201cfather of lies\\u201d? What lies does the devil tell you?

6. What does Jesus give as the reason the people \\u201cdo not hear/don\\u2019t believe\\u201d? (Hint:see verses 46-47)

7. To whom does Jesus tell the people they belong? (Hint:see verse 44) What does He mean by this? What does this mean for us today?

8. Pastor Mick highlighted five ways to test who you truly follow/to whom you truly belong (Tests of True Discipleship \\u2013 see below). What do you think about these tests? Do they highlight areas where you still have work to do?

a. Do you love Jesus? (8:42)
b. Do you seek to understand God\\u2019s will? (8:43)
c. Is your desire to do as the Father desires? (8:44)
d. Do you believe the truth, as revealed by Jesus? (8:45-46)
e. Do you listen and respond to the words of God? (8:47)

Prayer (from Hymn #89 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee):
Gracious and Loving God, Thou art giving and forgiving, ever-blessing, ever-blest, well-spring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest! Thou our Father, Christ our brother, all who live and love are thine; teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine. Amen.