John 8:44 -- You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
The wooden religious leaders refuse to accept all that Jesus is saying and like little children with their fingers plugging their ears, they continue to repeat "Abraham is our father.". They clung to this as they had "mastered" obeying the old laws externally, which they selfishly believed justified them from having to deal with any of this internal eternal heart things Jesus has brought up.
Be born again? I've already been born once as a descendant of Abraham, that's enough.
Go to Jesus if I thirst? I've already got a water fetching and pouring ritual I do, that's enough.
Follow Jesus as the Light of the world so I won't be in darkness? I've already got all the lamps I need right here, that's enough.
This Jesus guy shows up and says these things because his father sent him and told him what to say? No thanks, I'm here from my lineage in father Abraham and I've memorized the laws of Moses, that's enough.
Okay, okay… that's enough of that. I just threw those things out as you can see just how easy it was and it still is today, to find something that makes you feel comfortable, safe, justified, then willfully ignore everything else that confronts or challenges those things.
Jesus finally ceases entertaining the back-and-forth game of "Who is your daddy and what does he do?" (FYI: That's a line from 'Kindergarten Cop"). LOL.. Sorry I can't stop laughing hearing Arnold Schwarzenegger saying that. Okay, back to serious, Jesus had patiently and lovingly spoke truth to them, but now He goes straight to the heart of this whole "father" business.
We find in today's verse Jesus tells these wooden religious people what they are doing is the will of their true father the devil. Wow. This is about as in your face as it gets. Not that Jesus did this from an "in your face" attitude but going from the back and forth over "My Father" and "Our father Abraham", this is ripping the band-aid off the wound with no countdown.
Not only does Jesus reveal the hearts and motivations of the wooden religious leaders, He also gives some of the most direct testimony about who the devil is as well. Murderer. Doesn't stand in truth. There is no truth in him. When he speaks, he lies. His entire heart and character are lies. He is a liar. He is the father of all lies.
Christian, do you see the example God has shown us in all of this for our lives today? Not just who the devil is from his outward desires to his core, but also an example about who exactly can be a "child of the devil" if you will.
These Pharisees were highly religious, highly educated, teachers, leaders, rulers. They memorized the very word of God. They taught the very word of God. They led feasts and celebrations for God. They tithed and gave to God. However, they did not know God. They learned the rules and how to use the rules to deceive themselves into a numb religious coma. A coma they were willing to lie, trap and even kill to preserve.
Beloved, just because someone has a Bible in their hand, quotes scriptures, prays beautiful prayers, leads a church or group, does not mean they follow God the Father, Jesus Christ, or Holy Spirit. This does NOT mean you walk around paranoid, critical of every "Christian" you come across. ABSOLUTEY NOT! This means if you do not know the Word of God and walk with the Lord in His Word and in prayer each day, you not only can, but you will end up deceived. You cannot know someone if you do not spend time with them, period. Also, Jesus said:
Matthew 24:24 -- For false christs and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.
Tough things to think about today. Don't take my word on any of it. Please don't! Let this drive you to the Word of God. Read it and pray and talk with Him about it. See it for yourself and let Him show you who He is!
You are loved. You are prayed over. You are not alone.
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