John 8:14-17

14 Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going. 

15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 

16 And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me. 

17 It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true.

“My Witness is True…My Judgment is True”

The Pharisees and scribes would not budge in their unbelief in Jesus. They were stubborn and spoke lies about Him. They said in verse 13 that because Jesus was His own witness to whether He was speaking the truth, His witness wasn’t true. This was a lie because Jesus had already listed His witnesses in chapter 5, and it was a fourfold witness. So, does Jesus list those witnesses again for clarification? No, He doesn’t! Because He knows their hearts, and knows they have already made their minds up. They were not going to believe in Him! So, Jesus says this in verse 14, paraphrasing, “Even if I am My own witness, which I’m not, My witness of Myself is true. It is true, because I say that it is true. I know where I am from. I am from the Father. I know where I am going. I’m going back to the Father. But you don’t know any of this, because you refuse to believe.” Jesus is God’s Son, and He doesn’t have to prove who He is to these people. Jesus’ Words are God’s Words. That is all the proof that anyone should need. Since Jesus’ Words match up with God’s Words, then God is Jesus’ witness, which He had already stated in chapter 5.

Then in verses 15 and 16, Jesus brings up the subject of judgment again. He says, paraphrasing, “You judge according to the flesh. You judge people by where they come from, how they dress, how educated they are, what their occupation is, who their parents are, etc. None of that matters at all. I never judge anyone by any of these worldly things. I judge people by the condition of their hearts/minds. And when I do judge a person, My judgment is true, because I know the person’s heart/mind. And, I don’t judge any person alone, because My Father is always with Me, and we are always in agreement in our judgment.” Jesus and the Father are of one mind in power, in truth, and in judgment. They are 100% on the same page in everything. Hasn’t Jesus spoken about judgment before? It is the same song, second verse. Back in John 5:30, Jesus said, He does nothing on His own. His judgment is just because His will is to do the will of the Father. Jesus’ judgment is based on the Father’s will. Then in John 7:24, Jesus tells them not to “judge by appearances”, but to “judge with righteous judgment”. Isn’t it like talking to a brick wall with these people? How many times does Jesus repeat Himself to these people? Jesus then reminds them in verse 16 that in the old law, the testimony of two men is true. (Deuteronomy 17:6) What Jesus means is that He has the testimony of two, Himself and the Father, and that is all that He needs. What more do these people need?

Question for myself: Do I judge by appearances? I can’t read thoughts, so I can’t know the condition of a person’s heart.  But, I also can’t just assume the condition of a person’s heart based on the person’s outward appearance, where they are from, who their family is, or any of that superficial surface-level knowledge. I should assume the best about a person, not the worst. Am I saying that we just throw caution to the wind and possibly put ourselves in physical danger? No, we have to be cautious, because we are not mind-readers. But I don’t need to let a person’s appearance lead me to think that they are any less worthy than I am of salvation, because the truth is, not a single one of us is worthy, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift to the world… the gift of Jesus (2 Corinthians 9:15). 

God means for everyone to learn what the Bible teaches about being saved. It only takes an open heart for Jesus and a willingness to put away what we’ve been taught in the past, and truly read what God’s Word says for ourselves… and then accept what it says and obey it. If I can help you in any way, I would love to! Are you walking in the light? Are you in Christ? Are you saved? If you aren’t, or if you’re not sure if you are, I’d love to help you. Are you a member of the Lord’s church, but are struggling spiritually in your walk with Christ? If you are… believe me, I’ve been there many times, and I’d love to help you. If you have any questions, please reach out. 

I love God’s Word. It challenges me to be better… to do more in His service. It is interesting and keeps me on the edge of my seat, wondering what will happen next. It gives me confidence and builds me up, and it brings me to my knees when my soul needs convicting! Thank you, Father, for the wonderful gift of Your Word!

God’s Plan of Salvation

Below is the plan God has outlined in His Word for humankind to receive His grace, which leads to salvation and an eternity with God in heaven. This plan is straight from the Bible. 

We have to hear His word. (Romans 10:17) 

Upon hearing the message of Jesus, we believe it. (Mark 16:16) 

Then, we confess Jesus’ name before men. (Matthew 10:32) 

Next, we repent of our sins. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19) 

Finally, we are baptized into Christ for the remission of our sins.  (Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:26-27) After baptism, God adds us to His church. (Acts 2:47)