STONING Jesus. John 8:59 (Episode #225)

The contents of this passage are serious.  "Serious as a heart-attack" we might say today.  

 In just a few verses, they go from a debate about Abraham's merits and limitations to 'we are going to kill you right now'.  Not just with words and anger, but the real deal:  with rocks.

Stoning is used as a discipline and punishment and warning.  It allows a collective disapproval, a collective punishment, yet, no one literally gets their hands bloody.  

Obviously, it is reserved for gross violations of God's law.  How about , "You shall have no other gods before me," for one.  By their behavior, we know exactly what they understand Jesus claims to be.  Their actions betray their belief, as always. For the Jews of the time, they understand Jesus perfectly.   He takes the personal, revealed, precious name of God for HIMSELF.  I am eternal.  I am highest.  I dwarf Abraham.  In fact, I made him.  I was smoking along eternally before he was a blip on the timeline.  Don't forget, Abraham was excited to see ME.  

Worship Him, or KILL Him, those are pretty much the choices.

Listen and chose today.  We have about the same options.  I recommend worship, but He let's us chose.