05.23.2016 New Testament: John 8.48–49

To read the Bible in a year, read John 8.37–59 on May 23, In the year of our Lord 2016

By Don Ruhl

The ability of Jesus to answer accusations from critics, and His ability to ignore them, amazes me continually. Look at this example,

Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly 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).

He answered the charge on having a demon, but ignored the one about being a Samaritan. Whether Jesus was a Samaritan or a Jew paled in significance to whether He had a demon or not. Therefore, He ignored the Samaritan charge (which was false), but answered the demon charge.

Questions:

• Do you think that you have to answer every point that a critic makes against you?
• Can you tell which criticisms matter and which do not?