Read: John 8: 43-44

Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Reflect:

In 1938, Radio listeners across American heard what they thought was an alien invasion from Mars. How were people deceived? The radio program featured “live on-location” reports and news bulletins. Since the program aired without commercials, it sounded like the real thing. Evidently, some people panicked as a result. Why?

People tended to trust what they heard on the radio in 1938. I guess not much has changed today. People are gullible and when they are conditioned to believe a certain thing, we see the result in our lives even when people believe something that is untrue.

The most dangerous lies are the ones you never notice.

Each of us have been deceived from time to time, but have you ever looked back at a time in your life and thought – “What was I thinking?” “How could I have been so stupid?” “Did I really think this was a good idea when it was clearly a very bad idea?”

Respond:

Today, many people will question what is true and what is not simply because the concept of what Francis Schaeffer described as “true truth” has been compromised. What is the source of deception in our world? Jesus delivered a clear warning to each of us throughout the Gospels, but in the passage above He clearly defines the ultimate source of lies.  What lies are most prevalent in our world in your opinion?