The Jews claimed to be the children of Abraham, but their deeds were not of Abraham, for they were unbelieving, had no room for Jesus' word, and even tried to kill Jesus. They were the children of the devil, a murderer and a liar from the beginning who hates the truth. He plants doubt and fear, tries to separate God's children from God, and keep them from loving and trusting one another. They had no room for the truth and were not able to listen to Jesus' word (43, 44). But whoever belongs to God loves Jesus, hears his word, believes, and obeys him. If anyone rejects Christ, they reject the Father who sent him.

The Jews mocked Jesus as demon possessed. They rejected his words and asked him, "Who do you think you are?" However, Jesus is the eternal Word of God who became flesh to fulfill God's promises to Abraham (Ge 12:3; 22:18). Abraham looked down the corridors of history and, by faith, saw Jesus. By that faith he was saved. Jesus is God, who "was" before Abraham was born (58; Ex 3:14), who came to bring us back to God through his death and resurrection.


Application: Lord, thank you for making me a child of God by Jesus' blood by your grace. Help me love, listen to, and obey you from my heart.
One Word: Jesus is the eternal God