🕊️ PRAY HERE Devotion 🕊️ Why Jesus Called These Religious Leaders Children of the Devil – Part 1

Scripture: John 8:43–47 (ESV)

“Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires… Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

Devotion: Picture yourself in the back of a large classroom, and the teacher is up front teaching.

You sat in the back by choice for your own personal reasons. Maybe you think you already know it all. Maybe you’re not interested in learning. Maybe you don’t want to be bothered, seen, or called on.

Whatever the reason, somewhere in your mind you decided, “I’m not really going to need this information.”

But here is the problem; the further away you are from the TEACHER, the harder it is to hear.

Those sitting closer can hear clearly. They get better understanding. They can ask questions. They are engaged.

Get closer to Jesus, who is our Teacher, so that you can HEAR HIM.

Now let’s look at today’s scripture.

This is Jesus talking to the Pharisees, who at that time were a group of Jewish religious LEADERS.

They were highly respected and held much influence.

Because of their position, it made it even more dangerous for them to publicly question Jesus, discredit His identity, and speak against His words.

Spiritual leaders such as pastors, ministers, ministry leaders, and teachers must be VERY CAREFUL what they say to people concerning the Word of God and Jesus.

As leaders, we are in a place where we can either lead people to God and salvation; or mislead them and keep them from ever receiving Him.

In other words, you will either draw them to Jesus or run them away.

The Pharisees were speaking against Him because they could not hear or understand Jesus.

Why?

Let’s read the text again.

Jesus asked them, “Why do you not understand what I say?”

Ohhh… it’s because you cannot bear to hear My word.

You cannot relate to it. You cannot witness to it. You have not really tried Me for yourself enough to know that I speak the truth.

Whewww!!

Christian leaders who have not truly tried Jesus for themselves CANNOT PREACH OR TEACH the Word of God effectively to anyone.

Instead, they may unknowingly hinder people from the real truth.

If Jesus has never performed a miracle in my life, answered any real prayers, or carried me through hard seasons, then I cannot testify with true conviction and confidence that He can do it for you.

That is powerful.

Because people do not just need information; they need truth from someone who has experienced God.

This is a lot to unpack.

Please come back tomorrow for Part 2.

But for today, ask yourself:

Am I truly close enough to Jesus to hear Him?

Or am I trying to teach others from a distance?

God bless you!

Prayer: Father God, forgive me for every time I have been distant from You and still tried to operate like I was close. Forgive me for any pride, distraction, or unbelief that has kept me from truly hearing Your voice. Lord, I want to be closer to You. I want to know You for myself and not just through what others say. Let me hear Your Word clearly and receive Your truth fully. Remove anything in me that blocks my connection with You. Teach me, correct me, and draw me nearer so that my life reflects You and leads others to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.