A study of John 8:39-47 differentiates between physical and spiritual relationships, reveals the scriptural claim to a spiritual relationship, and that we demonstrate the actions of the one we follow.
A study of John 8:39-47 differentiates between physical and spiritual relationships.
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, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. (ESV, John 8:39-40)
Jesus taught in the Jerusalem temple during the Jewish festival of Tabernacles. And following an adversarial exchange with Pharisees (V.12-29), he instructed a group of believers (V.31) on discipleship. He said true disciples abide in his word and are set free. Surprisingly, the believers rejected his teaching. Their reason? They were already free because they were physical descendents of Abraham.
Jesus answered by addressing a spiritual realty. Those who reglularly practice sin are slaves to it (V.34). However, as the Son, he sets them free. He also speaks the words of his father and then suggests they have a different father since his word finds no place in them (V.37-38).
The Jews stubbornly repeated Abraham was their father like it was a final answer (V.39). As if shouting louder or with greater conviction makes something true. It doesn’t. And Jesus made another spiritual observation. The children of Abraham should also follow his spiritual example (V.39). In other words, Abraham was a man of faith. He demonstrated his faith through righteous actions and so should his children. Instead, they were listening to and doing the work of their real father.
A study of John 8:39-47 reveals the scriptural claim to a spiritual relationship.
They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God. (ESV, John 8:40)
The Jews finally moved from insisting on a physical connection with Abraham as their forefather to a spiritual one. They claim to be children of God. And they specifically mention the purity of their conception unblemished by sexual immorality. The Greek word used for “sexual immorality” is pornia from which we get pornography. Other translations may use the word “fornication” and “illegitimate.”
Scholars differ on what the Jews meant. There was an obvious inference to the questionable circumstances around Jesus’ potentially illegitimate birth as a personal attack. Illustrating even in ancient times, the destructive power of gossip. They were all born in lawful wedlock and Jesus was not.
Furthermore, Exodus 4:22, Jeremiah 31:9 and Deuteronomy 14:1-2 mention God as Israel’s father and them a treasured posession. So there was scriptural support to spiritually claim they were children of God. As legitimate Hebrews and not heathen idolaters, they were true worshipers of God who were special to him.
A study of John 8:39-47 reveals that we demonstrate the actions of the one we follow.
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. (ESV, John 8:42)
Jesus doesn’t refute their scripturally supported claim. Instead, he points out another connection. His eternal relationship to the father. He was the son sent by the father and speaks the words of the father. Therefore, if they really love, worship, and know the father, they should love him and abide in his word.
But they don’t. Why? Because their real father was the devil, a murderer and the father of lies. And their will was to do his desires. Therefore, they didn’t hear or understand Jesus’ word. They didn’t believe him because he spoke the truth (V45).
The point is the one we genuinely believe and follow is demonstrated by our actions. Followers of Jesus will pursue his righteousnes. Followers of the devil will pursue their own sinful desires. And eventually, the evil desires of the people Jesus confronted would demonstrate themselves when they supported the religious leaders with calls to crucify him.
Jesus issues a brazen challenge.
Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God. (V.46-47)
No other person in human history has made such an audacious claim. Even more amazing? No one has ever identified one sin Jesus ever committed. And many have tried.
Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward.” (ESV, Matthew 26:59-60)
The apostle Paul both confirms this truth and explain its importance.
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
Jesus came to offer himself as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. And that required the sinless life that he accomplished.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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