“Father Abraham had many sons, many sons had Father Abraham. I am one of them, and so are you, so let’s all praise the Lord.” It’s a fun song, and it gets kids moving and smiling! But there is no laughter to be found in the second half of John 8, as Jesus contradicts the claims of those who see themselves as Abraham’s offspring. Abraham’s name appears eleven times in this passage. He’s considered the ultimate ancestor, a true spiritual hero. Since God promised to bless the descendants of Abraham, these Jewish leaders reason that their spiritual standing is secure. Jesus strongly disagrees. First, He notes their bondage to sin. Proudly they deny it, but Jesus insists that “everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” Sin is more than an act; it’s a power within, holding us captive. We do what we want, but our choices are limited by these chains. Freedom is not the right to do as we wish, but the power to do as we ought. Only Jesus can deliver. While many presume to be saved, Jesus says that forgiveness and freedom are given only to those who abide in His Word, proving themselves to be genuine disciples (v 31-38). Second, Jesus accuses the religious leaders of doing the devil’s desires. The Son of God, who always does the will of His Father, defines sonship not in terms of biology, but obedience. If the Pharisees were truly children of Abraham, they would demonstrate their faith by obeying God. Since they had no real heart for God, no sensitivity to His voice, their father must be someone else. They claim moral superiority, implying that Jesus Himself was born of a sexually immoral relationship. But Jesus will not be distracted by their slander. God’s true children show their love for Him by loving His Son, not opposing Him. Far from abiding in His Word, the Pharisees could not even listen to it. This shows they are not born from above, so Jesus concludes that their father is the devil, and their will is to please him (v 39-47). Third, Jesus asserts that the true spiritual descendants of Abraham would never be found dishonoring God’s Son. Since their arguments have failed, the enemies of Christ continue their personal insults. The Samaritans were considered ethnic half-breeds and doctrinal heretics. But if calling Jesus a Samaritan wasn’t bad enough, for good measure they add, “You’re also demon-possessed!” But God the Father will defend the honor of His Son. Jesus is the fulfillment of all of Abraham’s hopes. He is the eternal Creator, and those who keep His word “will never see death” (v 48-59). For further meditation: