WHO’S YOUR DADDY? – John 8:37-47
As the old saying goes, “The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.” We all
have traits similar to that of our earthly fathers. Today you can send off to
“ancestry.com” for a DNA kit, whereby you can find out more about your
family’s origin. In our text, Jesus mentions another test which clearly reveals
mankind’s true spiritual DNA, a revelation which comes, not by the study of
human saliva, but examination of the soul!
(v.37-40) Here Jesus responds to the comment made in (v.33). Physically, the
Jews are descendants of Abraham; ironically, however, this same crowd
sought to kill Jesus, Abraham's true Son, Genesis 22:18 seed of promise.
(Galatians 3:16) Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And
As with many today,
rather than look to Christ for justification (salvation), they rely upon their
works and lineage, “you do,” (v.38). Galatians 3:5-9 - Only those who are of
faith are truly sons of Abraham.
to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ.
Jesus points out two primary evidences that exposes their “illegitimacy” in
God. (1) No place (vacancy) for His word. (v.37). Their resistance to the truth
gave birth to hatred! Man’s resistance to truth is at the root of the prevailing
anti-Christ spirit in the world today. In fact, the hatred we see manifested by
ISIS today, toward Christians, is concrete evidence of their illegitimacy in
God! Their response, as it was with the religious leaders in Jesus day, is the
opposite of Abraham’s response (v.40). Abraham obeyed the word of God Genesis 12:1-9; 15:6; 22:1-19.
Second evidence of illegitimacy: (2) Their deeds. (v.41-44) Some believe
(v.41) that this is a “yo mama” moment! It appears they may have been
casting aspersions on Christ’s birth. But Jesus counters by pointing out they
are just acting like their father! Two tell-tell signs - (v.42, 43): (a) No love.
(v.42a). If you are of God, you would love the things God loves! (b) No word.
Listening, not for the sake of information, but transformation! (Psalm 81:13) “Oh,
that My people would listen to Me, That Israel would walk in My ways!”
The whole world is under the sway of their father the devil. (1 John 5:19) We
know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. When
people at work rail against you without cause, don’t panic, they’re just acting like their daddy!
Remember our warfare is spiritual not carnal! The inability of these religious leaders to
love and listen, was due to the influence of their father (v.44). (1) Murderer.
“From the beginning” – he introduced death into the Garden of Eden.
Murder is not only an act (Exodus 20:13 – the sixth commandment “You shall
not murder”), but it is also an internal attitude; Matthew 5:21-26. Antedote:
(ttt) Proverbs 4:23-27.
(2) Liar. (v.44b) Revelation 12:10 “accuser of the brethren.” He is the
spiritual instigator, and promoter, of fear; he has promoted racism,
dissention, and even division in homes and churches! He speaks from his
“own resources,” to steal, kill, and destroy! The only effective Antidote
against satanic lies, is perfect love. (1 John 4:18-19) There is no fear in love; but perfect
love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in
love. We love Him because He first loved us. His love in us does not listen to lies,
but
hopes all things, believes all things, endures all things, His love never fails!
(1 Corinthians 13).
In (v.45-47) Here Jesus alludes to the fact that His righteousness alone, as our
perfected sacrifice, is the only means of salvation! (v.46a). (Hebrews 5:9) And
having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.
In (v.47) Jesus’ evidence of those who are “of God” – they “hear (obey)
God’s word!” (John 10:27) My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
To those who are His sheep, God will be their Father! Great listeners (hearers) are
known to be great conversationalists, and so are great conversions! If we will hear Him, we
will follow Him, and come to know the intimate care of our “Father in
heaven.” In Psalm 23 David gives us seven attributes by which we come to
know God as our Father. (ttt) Psalm 23
(1) My provider. (v.1). (2) My rest. (v.2a) How? (v.2b). (3) My restorer. (v.3a).
How? (v.3b). (4) My comforting protector. (v.4). (5) My provision. (v.5a) That
which sustains me; thus, “No weapon.” (6) My strength. Power; more than
enough! (v.7) My pursuer. (v.6) to the end.
The question we must all answer is, Who’s your daddy? There's a Spanish story
of a father and son who had become estranged. The son ran away, and the father set off to find
him. He searched for months to no avail. Finally, in a last desperate effort to find him, the father
put an ad in a Madrid newspaper. The ad read: Dear Paco, meet me in front of this newspaper
office at noon on Saturday. All is forgiven. I love you. Your Father. On Saturday 800 Pacos showed
up, looking for forgiveness and love from their fathers. (Bits & Pieces, October 15, 1992, p. 13.)
Communion reminds us, we do not have to be Fatherless! (Galatians 4:6-7) And
because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba,
Father!" Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through
Christ.