John 8:39 – “‘Abraham is our father,’ they answered. ‘If you were Abraham’s children,’ said Jesus, ‘then you would do what Abraham did.’”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus is responding to the Jewish leaders who claim that Abraham is their father. They take great pride in being descendants of Abraham, believing that their biological connection to him makes them right with God.

Jesus challenges their thinking. He tells them that true children of Abraham don’t just claim their heritage—they follow Abraham’s example. Abraham was a man of faith and obedience. He trusted God, listened to Him, and followed His commands (Genesis 15:6). But the religious leaders were rejecting Jesus, who was sent by God. Their actions showed that they were not spiritually Abraham’s children, even if they were physically his descendants.

This is a key distinction: being part of God’s family is not about heritage, but about faith and obedience. Jesus is saying, if they were really like Abraham, they would believe and obey God’s word—just as Abraham did.

Historical Context

The Jewish people of Jesus’ time saw Abraham as the foundation of their identity. God had made a covenant with Abraham, promising that his descendants would become a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). Because of this, many Jews believed that simply being Abraham’s physical descendants guaranteed them a special relationship with God.

However, throughout Israel’s history, the prophets had warned that being Abraham’s descendant was not enough—obedience to God mattered more than ancestry (Jeremiah 7:3-8, Micah 6:8).

Jesus’ words challenge the religious leaders’ assumptions. They are so focused on their national and religious identity that they fail to recognize that true children of Abraham follow God in faith and action. By rejecting Jesus, they are proving they are not acting like Abraham at all.

Theological Implications

1. Spiritual Identity is Based on Faith, Not Heritage – A person is not part of God’s family just because of their religious background. Faith in God is what truly matters.
2. True Children of Abraham Follow His Example – Abraham trusted and obeyed God, and his true children will do the same.
3. Rejecting Jesus Proves a False Spiritual Identity – The Jewish leaders thought they were God’s people, but their rejection of Jesus showed they were not following Abraham’s faith.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel often highlights the contrast between outward religion and true faith. Here, Jesus exposes the difference between physical descendants and spiritual children.

• “Abraham is our father,” they answered. – The religious leaders rely on their ancestry to prove their spiritual status.
• “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did.” – Jesus shifts the focus to actions and faith, showing that true spiritual children follow Abraham’s example.

This verse sets up Jesus’ later statement in John 8:44, where He tells them their real father is the devil because they are following his ways, not God’s.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 15:6 – “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness.)
• Romans 9:6-8 – “For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children.” (Paul explains that true children of Abraham are those who live by faith.)
• Galatians 3:7 – “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham.” (Paul confirms that faith, not ancestry, makes someone a true child of Abraham.)
• Luke 3:8 – “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.” (John the Baptist warns against relying on heritage alone.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many people today believe that being born into a Christian family, attending church, or following religious traditions makes them right with God. But Jesus’ words remind us that true faith is about following God with our lives, not just having a religious identity.

This verse challenges us to ask: Are we truly following Jesus, or are we just claiming a religious background? The religious leaders thought they were right with God because of their ancestry, but their rejection of Jesus proved otherwise.

Faith must be active and living, not just something we claim. True children of God live in obedience, just like Abraham did.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in that He calls people into His family, not based on ancestry, but through faith in Jesus. This means that anyone, regardless of background, can become a child of God.

God does not look at where we come from but at our hearts. He offers salvation to all who believe in Christ, just as He counted Abraham’s faith as righteousness.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham.

• John 8:56 – “Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.” (Abraham looked forward to Jesus’ coming.)
• Galatians 3:29 – “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Those who are in Christ are true children of Abraham.)
• John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (Salvation comes through Jesus, not religious heritage.)

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why did the Jewish leaders believe that being Abraham’s descendants made them right with God?
2. What does Jesus mean when He says, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do what Abraham did”?
3. In what ways do people today rely on religious heritage instead of personal faith?
4. How can we make sure we are truly following Jesus rather than just claiming a religious identity?
5. What does this verse teach us about the importance of faith and obedience?