The Passage
John 8:39-47
39 They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, 40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 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. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
Word Work
Put it in your own words. Read the passage or verse slowly, then rewrite each phrase or sentence using your own words.
Word Thoughts:
If our spiritual genealogy includes only our earthly heritage (as was true of the “children of Abraham” in this passage), we may be religious, but we are still spiritual orphans. True spiritual heritage requires a connection to one who existed long before Abraham, namely, Jesus: “before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). Only through the gospel can we be rescued from the dominion of darkness (Col. 1:13), where Satan is father, and be brought into the family of God, where we are given the full rights and delights of the children of God (John 1:12; Gal. 4:5; 1 John 3:1–3). (1)
Word Reflection:
- What stood out?
- Jesus calls their father, the Devil - why is that?
- What does Jesus mean, Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.
47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
End in Prayer
Resources used: