Definition: I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this famous verse from John 8:38. It’s a really profound statement about truth and belief. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says that what we see is true, and what we believe is also true. It’s a powerful warning against being misled by false teachings or interpretations. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “John 8:38” : This refers to a specific event in the Gospel of John – Jesus telling his disciples about the woman who was given a glimpse of the future (a prophecy). “I speak that which I have seen with my Father” : This is where it gets interesting. “I speak” means Jesus is revealing something he has personally experienced or witnessed. "I have seen" signifies a direct, undeniable truth. “and ye do that which ye have seen with your father” : This is the crucial part. It’s pointing to the people – specifically, the disciples – and their actions. "Ye do that which ye have seen" means they are acting on what they've been told or learned. “With your father” signifies they are following a tradition, belief, or interpretation passed down through generations. So, putting it all together: Jesus is saying that the truth he’s revealing – the truth about God and salvation – isn’t just his opinion; it’s something he has directly experienced and seen with His Father. He's essentially saying, “This truth comes from a source of divine revelation.” What does this mean practically? It means: Trust in Scripture: It encourages us to rely on the Word of God – the Bible – as our primary source of truth. Critical Thinking: We should always question things and look for evidence before accepting them as true. Don’t just blindly follow what someone tells you; verify it with your own understanding and reasoning. Beware of False Teachings: This verse is a reminder that misleading teachers or interpretations can distort the truth. In essence, it's a call to seek God's truth through genuine experience and reflection, not just relying on what others tell us. Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, we could delve deeper into: The context of the woman who was given a glimpse of the future. How this verse relates to the idea of divine revelation.