Justin Houtz

Exodus 26, John 8

DateVersionReading Plan
March 17, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Exodus 26

Observation

Exod. 26:26-37 – From the TGCBC: “The closer one came to the Lord’s presence, the more costly the materials became, as one might expect when drawing nearer to a king’s throne room.”

Exod. 26:30 – God told Moses that the tabernacle was to be erected according to the plan he had been shown on the mountain. Everything was to be done to the specification that God provided.

Application

Much detail is given to Moses by God pertaining to the construction and erection of the tabernacle. It is easy and/or tempting to gloss over reading about materials and measurements, but to do so is to detract appreciation from how God gave His people the means by which He could dwell with them. Reading of the veil in particular (Exod. 26:31-35), we are also reminded of the separation we have from God due to our sin and the work of Jesus on the cross that tore the veil, restoring direct and unfettered access to God for those who place their faith in Christ.

John 8

Observation

John 8:9 – When Jesus confronted the scribes and Pharisees regarding the woman caught in adultery, it was the older ones were the first to go away. “Evidently the older ones among them had the most tender consciences. They had plotted to kill the woman by a questionable, probably fraudulent execution, but her crime only involved committing adultery.” (Constable’s Notes)

John 8:18 – In speaking to the crowd, Jesus said that He is the One who bears witness about Himself and that the Father also bears witness about Him. He was addressing the law that stated the requirement of two or more witness to bear sufficient testimony and that “it was not difficult for Him to produce them. First of all, He bore witness of Himself by His sinless life and by the words that came out of His mouth. Secondly, the Father bore witness to the Lord Jesus by His public statements from heaven and by the miracles which He gave the Lord to do.” (BBC)

John 8:21 – Jesus told the Pharisees that He was going away, that they would seek Him and that they would die in their sin. It was because they had rejected Him that they would die in their sin. “This would mean that they would be forever prevented from entering heaven, where the Lord was going. It is a solemn truth! Those who refuse to accept the Lord Jesus have no hope of heaven. How dreadful to die in one’s sins, without God, without Christ, without hope forever!” (BBC)

John 8:47 – Jesus told the Pharisees that whoever hears the words of God is of God and the reason why they did not hear them is because they were not of God. “If a man really loves God, he will hear and obey God’s words. The Jews showed by their rejection of the Savior’s message that they did not really belong to God. It is clear from verse 47 that the Lord Jesus claimed to speak the very words of God. There could be no misunderstanding of this.” (BBC)

John 8:48 – The Jews answered Jesus by attempting to secure their position of being in the right in saying that He was a Samaritan and had a demon. “Once again the Jews resorted to abusive language, because they could not answer the words of the Lord Jesus in any other way. In calling Him a Samaritan, they senselessly used an ethnic slur. It was as if they said that He was not a pure Jew, but was an enemy of Israel. Also, they accused Him of having a demon. By this they doubtless meant that He was insane. To them, only a man out of his mind would ever make the claims which Jesus had been making.” (BBC)

John 8:56 – Jesus said that Abraham rejoiced that he would see His day and indeed Abraham did and was glad. By this, “the Lord reminded them that Abraham had looked forward to the day of the Messiah, and he had actually seen it by faith, and was glad. The Lord Jesus was saying that He was the One to whom Abraham looked forward. Abraham’s faith rested in the coming of Christ.” (BBC)

Application

So much of Jesus’ full deity comes through in this chapter. He is the “light of the world”, whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness (par. John 8:12). Jesus’ disciples abide in His Word and by this they will know the truth which sets them free (par. John 8:31-32). And perhaps the most profound declaration was Jesus telling the Jews that “before Abraham was, I am.” There is to be no question as to who Jesus is: the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, the promised Messiah, Lord of heaven and earth, the Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer of all things, the great I AM.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for illuminating Your heart to Your people and for helping us to see our separation from You apart from the finished work of Your Son. Praise You, Lord, that by His wounds we are healed and by His resurrection You have granted us victory over death and eternal life with You. May Your name be exalted in all the earth, let Your people rejoice and be glad as they proclaim from the mountain tops that Jesus is Lord.

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