Skip to content

Commentaries
English
John
  
40"But now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God; this is not what Abraham did.41You do what your father did." They said to him, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God."


The Jews resented Christ’s words, because he had accused them of being out of line with Abraham’s spirit. Their confidence with their descent from Abraham formed the basis of their faith and hope and their boasting. So, how dare Jesus find fault with their Abrahamic connection and annul it.
Jesus also showed them that Abraham’s works were in obedience of faith to God, when he left as a migrant. His trust in God’s faithfulness was demonstrated when he offered to sacrifice his son Isaac, as was the humility he showed towards his nephew Lot. But the Jews displayed their obstinacy, rebellion and unbelief. Their spirit was contrary to Christ’s. Thus they disputed the truth incarnate standing in their midst; nor did they listen to God’s voice through him. Jesus came not as God’s Son surrounded by angels in glory. But as a simple man, having only the impact of His words. He did not compel men to accept his Gospel. He revealed God’s love, grace and name. They refused this good news with contempt. They toyed with the thought of killing him. This contrasts with the qualities and deeds of Abraham. He heard, obeyed, lived and did in accordance with God’s revelation.