Identifying the Devil according to Yeshua / Jesus John 8:44

The Nature of the Devil According to Yeshua

"Yeshua identifies who the devil is with several descriptors."

In John chapter 8, Yeshua engages in a heated exchange with the Pharisees, who are attempting to find fault in him. He challenges their claim of lineage to Abraham by stating that if they were truly Abraham's children, they would not seek to kill him. Through this dialogue, Yeshua begins to reveal the true nature of their spiritual father.
Yeshua makes a provocative assertion that their true father is the devil, referencing the murderer and liar's characteristics. He lists five descriptors of the devil: a murderer from the beginning, a liar, and the father of lies. This suggests that Yeshua is redefining notions of divine authority and moral truth.

"The serpent deceived me and I ate."

Yeshua’s conversation points back to the Genesis narrative, specifically in how it relates to the serpent in the Garden of Eden. The serpent, often interpreted as the embodiment of deception, plays a crucial role in humanity's original sin by contradicting Yahweh’s command.
In Genesis, Yahweh warns Adam not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, stating that doing so will lead to death. However, when Adam and Eve eat the fruit, they do not die, sparking the suggestion that Yahweh’s claim was misleading. This raises questions about the reliability of divine truth and the nature of deception.

"Yahweh lied to Adam and Eve; the serpent actually told them the truth."

The text reveals a contradiction in the Biblical narrative where Yahweh’s claim does not hold up against the events that unfold. In fact, both the serpent's words and Yahweh's eventual admission imply that eating the fruit results not in death, but rather an awakening to knowledge.
This examination poses philosophical questions about morality and the character of divine entities, suggesting that what was initially deemed evil or deceptive may not fit traditional understandings if the narrative framing is reconsidered.

"The cause of their death was being denied access to the fruit of the tree of life."

The discussion begins by clarifying that neither the snake nor the fruit was responsible for Adam and Eve's death. Instead, their death was caused by Yahweh denying them access to the tree of life. This denial is portrayed as a pivotal moment that leads to human mortality.
Genesis 3:22-24 recounts this event, emphasizing that God removed Adam from the Garden of Eden to prevent him from eating the fruit of the tree of life and attaining immortality.
The consequence of being expelled from the garden is interpreted as the origin of all human death, suggesting that this act by Yahweh has had longstanding consequences throughout humanity's existence.

"Yahweh was responsible for the death or the murder of Adam and Eve and all humanity including you and I right now."

The speaker argues that Yahweh's actions—specifically, denying access to the tree of life—constitute a direct role in human death, framing it as a moral failing on the part of Yahweh.
Adam's eventual death at 930 years old is noted, challenging the idea that dying before a thousand years could have been inconsequential in a divine timeline.
The concept of "days" in biblical terms is examined, where the term is said to refer to actual 24-hour days rather than a metaphorical or divine-determined span of time.

"Yeshua unambiguously identifies Yahweh as the devil in John 8:44."

The text introduces a provocative connection between Yahweh and the devil by referencing the descriptors used by Yeshua (Jesus) which include elements like murder and deceit.
Each of these descriptors—murderer, liar, and the one present from the beginning—is applied to Yahweh, arguing that the traditional view of God as a benevolent figure is challenged deeply by these incompatibilities.
The question arises about the identity of the snake in the Garden of Eden, emphasizing that biblical texts do not explicitly label it as the devil, which hints at how extra-biblical interpretations have shaped modern understanding.

"It’s the best thing to listen to the biblical text as many times as you can to get an overview."

The speaker encourages listeners to explore additional biblical contexts, suggesting a study guide titled “Two Gardens and a Snake,” which aims to provide clarity on complex biblical narratives.
The advice includes utilizing audio versions of biblical texts to engage with scripture in a consuming manner, allowing for a broader context to emerge beyond mere reading.
There is an emphasis on the importance of listening to the Bible multiple times to form a comprehensive understanding, highlighting available resources for accessing biblical audio.