JOHN 8:39–47
CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM OR CHILDREN OF GOD?
Text – John 8:39–47
39 They answered and said to him, “Our father is Abraham.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works of Abraham.
40 But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God; Abraham did not do this.
41 You are doing the works of your father.” So they said to him, “We were not born of fornication. We have one Father, God.”
42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; I did not come on my own, but he sent me.
43 Why do you not understand what I am saying? Because you cannot bear to hear my word.
44 You belong to your father the devil and you choose to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
45 But because I speak the truth, you do not believe me.
46 Can any of you charge me with sin? If I speak the truth, why do you not believe me?
47 Whoever belongs to God listens to the words of God; for this reason you do not listen, because you do not belong to God.
Historical and Jewish Context
Claiming Abraham as father was central to Jewish identity. Abraham was revered not merely for ancestry but for faith and obedience. Jesus redefines true descent from Abraham as imitation of Abraham’s faith and openness to God’s word. The accusation of illegitimacy reflects hostile polemic common in first-century disputes. Calling the devil a “murderer from the beginning” recalls the fall and Cain’s murder of Abel, grounding moral opposition in a cosmic struggle between truth and falsehood.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage reveals the radical nature of discipleship and spiritual identity. Catholic theology teaches that spiritual fatherhood is determined by faith and obedience, not bloodline. Love for Christ is the decisive sign of belonging to God. Jesus’ strong language exposes the seriousness of rejecting divine truth. The devil is presented as the source of deception, while Christ is the embodiment of truth. Hearing and accepting God’s word distinguishes children of God from those who resist grace.
Parallels in Scripture
Genesis 15:6 – Abraham’s faith credited as righteousness.
Wisdom 2:12–20 – The righteous one opposed.
Matthew 3:9 – God raising children of Abraham.
1 John 3:8–10 – Children of God versus children of the devil.
James 2:21–23 – Faith expressed through works.
Key Terms
Children of Abraham – True heirs through faith.
Works of Abraham – Obedient trust in God.
Sent from God – Divine mission of Christ.
Devil – Source of lies and death.
Truth – God’s revealed reality in Christ.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is proclaimed during Lent, inviting deep examination of spiritual identity and conversion. The Church uses this passage to call believers to authentic faith that listens to God’s word and bears fruit in love.
Conclusion
John 8:39–47 confronts false security rooted in ancestry and exposes the true measure of belonging to God: love for Christ and obedience to truth. The passage challenges believers to examine whose “children” they truly are through their actions and faith.
Reflection
Do my actions reflect Abraham’s faith and obedience?
Do I truly love Christ and listen to His word?
Am I attentive to truth or resistant to it?
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, You are the Truth sent from the Father. Purify my heart from false security and deception. Teach me to listen to Your word, to love You sincerely, and to live as a true child of God. Amen.