Actions Reveal Spiritual Heritage

John 8:37-47 Actions Reveal Spiritual Heritage I. Jesus answers their claim to be Abraham’s seed (vv. 37-38) A. He acknowledged their physical descent (v. 37a) B. He challenges their spiritual descent (v. 37b-38) 1. The contradictory evidence (v. 37b) 2. The reason for this evidence (v. 37c) 3. The foundational difference (v. 38) II. Jesus answers their claim of Abraham as their father (vv. 39-41a) A. Their claim (v. 39a) B. Jesus’ answer (vv. 39b-41a) 1. He refutes their claim (vv. 39b-40) a. The foundational condition (v. 39b) 1) If you were Abraham’s children… 2) Then you would act like Abraham. b. The refuting evidence (v. 40) 1) They were seeking to kill Jesus a) A man who told them the truth b) The truth he brought from God 2. This is not the way Abraham acted 2. He draws a conclusion (v. 41a) III. Jesus answers their claim of God as their Father (vv. 41b-47) A. Their claim (v. 41b-c) 1. They were not illegitimate children 2. They had one father, God B. Jesus’ answer (vv. 42-47) 1. He refutes their claim (vv. 42-43) a. The foundational condition (v. 42a) 1) If God were your father 2) Then you would love Jesus b. The refuting evidence (v. 43) 1) They cannot understand the truth… 2) Because they cannot not hear his word. 2. He states the conclusion (vv. 44-47) a. Your father is the devil (v. 44a) 1) You act like your father (v. 44b ff.) a) He is a murderer 1 b) He does not abide in the truth (1) Because there is no truth in him (2) He speaks his native language… (3) Because he is a liar and the father of liars 2) You willfully reject the truth (v. 45) 3) You willfully reject the evidence of truth (v. 46) b. God is not your father (v. 47) 1) God’s children hear his words 2) You don’t hear God’s words… 3) Because you are not God’s children 2