They wanted the freedom that comes through political victory. 

A Landmark Conversation

Jesus made some bold claims to the strictly religious Pharisees,  who were hoping to get out from under Roman rule. 

Read the whole conversation here:

John 8
A group of disgruntled pharisees question Jesus in a public square.

Three Claims that Incited Violence

Religion vs. The Person of God

The pharisees were students of the law who believed that because of their moral perfection they were guaranteed powerful spots in the afterlife. While they sought political power and control, Jesus had gained a following by healing, teaching, and providing for the people. The public loved him, but the Pharisees were angrily suspicious of his identity and popularity.  How would they have reacted to the claims below?

"I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but have the light of life.

A large stone and small stone sit in the ocean gently illuminted by the sunset.
Vague Headlights at night in a busy city
"You know neither me nor my Father."

"If you knew me, you would know my Father also." 

"The truth will set you free."

"If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples."

Looking up at the sun filtered through palm branches
A large stone and small stone sit in the ocean gently illuminted by the sunset.
"I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but have the light of life.

Vague Headlights at night in a busy city
"You know neither me nor my Father."

"If you knew me, you would know my Father also." 

Looking up at the sun filtered through palm branches
"The truth will set you free."

"If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples."

If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed."  

JOHN 8:36

Empathetic Observation

Can you relate?

We live in a partisan society with both sides vying for power. Do you lean more towards political action, or the towards service and loyalty to God?

How would you have reacted to the claims he was making?

Wikipedia images of Greta Thunberg, Donald Trump, and Alexandria Acasio-Cortez

We share scripture on billboards so you can explore in freedom.

Click a billboard to explore the history, context, and original meaning fo the text:

The words "God grieved." are written on a backdrop of dark clouds.
A watch with the words, "Love is Patient"
Two birds in a next look at each other caringly, with the text "Love is kind"
A squirrel looks at the words "God made the Animals"
A rainbow of delicious fruits is decorated with the words, "God said, 'Let the land produce vegetation'"
An eagle flies over mountains, with the words, "If I set you free, you are free indeed."
A snake in a garden has a speech bubble that says, "Did God really say ___?"
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