What Jesus Did! 'Know Your Enemy' — John 8:41-44

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

[To the Jews, Jesus continued,] "No, you are imitating your real father."

They replied, "We aren't illegitimate children! God himself is our true Father."

Jesus told them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. Why can't you understand what I am saying? It's because you can't even hear me! For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies."

— John 8:41-44 NLT

Key Thought

Satan is behind evil in all of its forms, including the religious evil that sent Jesus to the cross. Make no mistake; Satan distorts, deceives, and lies. His goal is murder and destruction. Let's not take him lightly. At the same time, let's not cower before his threats. Jesus conquered him for us in the cross, and that victory was demonstrated through the resurrection. Let's make sure that we stick with Christ, hold to his teaching, and live his truth. Let's make it clear to the evil one that he has no hold on us. [1]

[1] Colossians 1:12-14, 2:12-15, 3:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18.

Today's Prayer

Almighty and glorious Father, deliver me from the evil one for all power, all honor, and all glory are yours. Help me hold Jesus' truth up as my example and live it fully in my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Peter 5:8-9
  • 1 John 3:10
  • James 3:13-16; 4:7

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 121:7-8
"The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'God's Perfect Power' (2 Co. 12:9-10)
"Dear Father, Your grace is sufficient for me. Your power is made perfect in weakness. When I am weak, Christ's power can assist, shine through, lift...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Special Messenger' (Ro. 15:15b-17)
"[Paul wrote,] For by God's grace, I am a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles. I bring you the Good News so that I might present you as an..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Many Have Endured: You Can, Too!' (He. 12:1)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness],..."

Illustration

Illustration of John 8:41-44 NLT — "No, you are imitating your real father."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!