Three Ways Jesus Shows Us How to Live (John 8:21–30)
Have you ever had someone in your life who wasn’t just a talker, but a walker? Someone who lived out what they said in such a way that you couldn’t ignore it?
That’s the kind of example Jesus sets in John 8:21–30. In this passage, He’s speaking to religious leaders who are questioning His identity. Instead of getting defensive or trying to win the argument, He simply reveals who He is and what He’s about. And in doing so, He shows us what it looks like to live a life anchored in God.
Here’s the beauty: Jesus doesn’t just tell us what to do—He shows us. He lays out a blueprint for life that is as relevant on a Monday morning at work as it is on a Sunday morning at church. Let’s break it down into three takeaways that can shape the way we live today.
1. Speak What God Speaks
Jesus said, “What I’ve heard from Him, I tell the world.” (John 8:26). That’s huge. Jesus wasn’t driven by opinion polls, trending hashtags, or the latest gossip. His words flowed directly from His Father. Here’s what that means for us: before we can speak what God speaks, we’ve got to hear what God is saying. That requires time in His Word. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that Scripture is alive and active—it cuts deep, shapes us, and brings clarity where there’s confusion.
Think about it: when you fill yourself with God’s truth, it naturally spills out. The same way someone who binge-watches a show ends up quoting it without even trying, you and I will naturally echo whatever we’re soaking in.
• If we soak in negativity, that’s what we’ll speak.
• If we soak in fear, that’s what we’ll spread.
• But if we soak in God’s Word, that’s what we’ll share.
Application: Make it practical. Start your day with Scripture before you scroll. Let God’s Word
shape your perspective before the world has a chance to.
Question to reflect on: What would shift in my conversations this week if my words reflected
what God says rather than what culture shouts?
2. Please the Father First
Jesus lived with one question guiding His every move: Does this please my Father? He wasn’t swayed by popularity. He wasn’t distracted by criticism. His focus was laser sharp.
Paul understood this too. In Galatians 1:10, he admits, “Am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” That’s a bold statement. Paul knew that you can’t live for people’s approval and God’s approval at the same time—you’ve got to pick.
Here’s the tension: people-pleasing feels easier in the moment. It avoids conflict. It earns quick applause. But it never lasts. God’s approval, on the other hand, might cost us something now— but it carries eternal weight. Think of it this way: living for the approval of people is like chasing likes on social media. You might get a quick dopamine hit, but it fades. Living for God’s approval is like building on a solid foundation. It may not always get you noticed right away, but it will stand when the storms come.
Application: Before making a decision—big or small—pause and ask: Does this please God? You’ll be amazed how clarifying that one question can be.
Reflection: Pleasing God first doesn’t mean ignoring people. It means loving them better— because you’re rooted in what actually matters.
3. Keep Eternity in View
The third theme Jesus shows us is perspective. He reminds His listeners that He is going somewhere they cannot follow yet—and that our real home is not here, but in heaven (John 8:23).
That’s a perspective shift we desperately need. So often, we live as if this world is all there is. We chase possessions, achievements, comfort—only to realize they don’t fully satisfy. But when you live with eternity in mind, the priorities shift. Stress doesn’t weigh as heavy. Pain doesn’t feel as permanent. Even success doesn’t get to define you. Why? Because you know this isn’t the final chapter. Revelation 21:2–4 paints an incredible picture of what’s coming: a new heaven, a new earth, and a place where every tear is wiped away. No more death. No more mourning. No more pain.
That’s our hope.
Application: Live today in light of forever. Make choices that reflect your true citizenship in heaven. Invest in things that last—faith, people, generosity, and love.
Reflection: What’s one area of your life that would look different if you remembered, “This world is not my home”?
Why This Matters Right Now
So why does all this matter on a random Tuesday when you’re rushing to get the kids to school or grinding through another Zoom meeting? Because faith was never meant to be boxed into Sunday.
• Speaking what God speaks can change how you respond to a coworker who frustrates you.
• Living to please God can help you say “no” to the pressure of compromise.
• Keeping eternity in view can give you hope when life feels overwhelming.
These aren’t abstract ideas—they’re anchors for everyday life.
Bringing It All Together
Here’s the big takeaway: Jesus isn’t just our Savior, He’s our Example. When we proclaim God’s Word, practice what pleases the Father, and prepare for our heavenly home, we’re not just checking spiritual boxes—we’re living in alignment with the pattern Jesus laid out.
And when we do that, people notice. Not because we’re louder, but because we’re different. More grounded. More hopeful. More free.
Final Word
If you’re reading this and thinking, I’ve got a long way to go, you’re not alone. We all do. But the good news is, Jesus doesn’t just set the example—He also empowers us to follow it.So this week, start small:
• Open your Bible before you open your phone.
• Ask God, What would please You in this moment?
• Remind yourself, This is temporary. Heaven is home.
One step at a time, you’ll find yourself walking closer to the example Jesus has set. And the closer you walk with Him, the more your life will reflect His.
-Greg
August 18, 2025
