But "discussion" is too mild of a term. This was an argument.
On His part, Jesus wanted to focus on the Father who sent Him, how the truth sets people free from sin, and how hard it was to convince them that He was sent by God. He said the reason they didn't recognize Him as the Messiah was precisely because they didn't really know God Himself. (Which was actually an even bigger problem for them.)
Jesus called them liars and children of the devil.
The crowd's reaction varied greatly:
While "many" put their faith in Him (v.30), others asked, "Is he going to commit suicide?" (v.22)
Some flung slanderous accusations: "You are demon-possessed, aren't you?" (v.48)
The chapter ends with a good number in the crowd grabbing rocks off the ground, ready to stone Jesus to death on the spot!
Jesus "hid himself and slipped away".
If you read through the gospels with fresh eyes, you might be amazed at how much conflict, anger and persecution Jesus stirred up just about every time he opened his mouth to teach.
When was the last time you heard someone preach a sermon so confrontive he had to sneak away from the pulpit? Have you ever?
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