The Devil’s Children

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”.

Notes

Jesus explained that those who genuinely believe will remain in His word. And they will know the truth, and the truth will set them free (John 8:31-32). The Jews replied and claimed that they were not enslaved; thus, there was no need to be freed. Yet Jesus explained those who practice sin are slaves of sin, and only the Son can set the enslaved people free.

1. Not Like Abraham

   The Jews claimed to be descendants of Abraham, but Jesus highlighted that they did not act like Abraham. He said that Abraham would not seek to kill Him, which is different from their intent. Yet the Jews persisted that they were born legitimate.

   
   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” (John 8:39-41).

2. Devil is Your Father

   The Jews also claimed that God was their Father, but the Lord refuted them. Jesus explained why they could not understand His message. It was because God was not their Father. Their father was the devil because he was a murderer and a liar.
   
   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 (John 8:42-44).

3. Not of God

   The Jews also claimed that God was their Father, but the Lord refuted them. Jesus explained why they could not understand His message. It was because God was not their Father. Their father was the devil because he was a murderer and a liar.

   
   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” (John 8:45-47).

Application

1. Repent from Hate

   Many understand that deep hatred could lead to murder. The devil is a murderer; we should not murder, and we should not hate. We must repent of hate and murderous intent, which is of the devil.

2. Repent from Lying

   The devil is the father of lies, and those who practice lying intently and regularly belong to the devil. Genuine believers repent of lying; they seek God’s forgiveness for lying. To counter the habit of lying, one must immerse themselves in the truth of Jesus Christ. Most of all, we must stop believing in false gospels and inaccurate gospels.

3. Be of God

   Those who belong to God believe in the truth about Jesus Christ. Believers should know the truth of Scripture and should speak the truth of Scripture. We must also clarify that not all are children of God; those who do not believe are children of the devil.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Describe the devil according to Jesus.

2. In what ways are people like the devil?

3. According to Jesus, who are not of God and who are of God?