
John 8:34-47
In the one of Jesus’ discourses He talks about the father of the Israelites…they, like most, resembled their father and Jesus was displeased. He calls upon them to consider Abraham – the founding father of the nation (John 8:39-40).
Before we go on – a little background is needed. Jesus had spent the night on the Mount of Olives, where He often went to talk with His Father. At dawn He appeared in the temple courts, where he taught early morning worshipers. During this service a woman who was caught in adultery was brought before Jesus and His judgment is known to this day. Deserving death under the law, He calls on anyone who was without sin to cast the first stone. They left the scene, one by one, and Jesus tells the woman to go and sin no more. These folks who stood in judgment over the woman who had been “caught” in her sin, did not resemble Abraham. They were his natural descendants but because of their own disobedience and unbelief many could not claim to be his spiritual descendants (8:39).
When He next spoke to the people Jesus claimed to be the Light of the World (John 8:12); the Pharisees took offence because He had no witnesses to verify His claim. Jesus called God the Father His witness (:16-18) and a lengthy discussion ensued.
Key points in His discourse included the fact that the truth would set these people free (8:32). Later in John 14 Jesus identified Himself as the “Truth”. He goes on to say that “…if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (8:36). Now it becomes apparent how crucial His identification with the Father is, because Jesus said “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God” (8:42). Jesus then accuses His listeners of not understanding what He is saying because “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire” (8:44). Pretty strong language!
What made His message so urgent? Jesus said He was going away and these people would not be able to follow him. He says this twice (8:21 & 22). Why? He warns them four times that they would die in their sins (8:21, 22, 24). This presents us with a conundrum. These folks apparently were identified with the devil by Jesus, so therefore they were not welcome in heaven. It is crucial that our family, friends and workmates recognize that the one who longs to be their heavenly Father sent Jesus to tell them the truth about their eternal destiny. We do not get to choose our earthly father, but we do have that opportunity when it comes to our heavenly Father. It is a choice every person must get serious about, or face the consequences.
Reflection:
This choice frees us from the grasp of the one who is the father of lies (8:45). The devil is the father of all unbelievers. Tragically many do not hear the truth, not because they are intellectually deficient, but rather because they do not wish to follow Jesus’ teachings. They prefer to follow their father, the devil. How then might they claim God as their heavenly Father? Who is your father?








