You are of your father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and doesn’t stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own; for he is a liar, and the father of lies. John 8:44 WEB
This section of chapter eight in John’s gospel account relates a controversy over who is the father of those who oppose the ministry of Christ. To those who believed the teaching of Jesus, the Lord says in John 8:31-32, ‘If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. WEB” With these words, Jesus refers to Psalm 119:45 which says, “I will walk in liberty, for I have sought your precepts. WEB”
Those who oppose Jesus respond that they are descendants of Abraham and not slaves. Therefore, they do not understand why Jesus says “the truth will make you free,” Jesus responds by teaching that anyone who sins is a slave to sin.
Like Father Like Son
The lesson is that sons behave in the same manner as their father. Jesus is the Son of God and only says and does what he has seen and heard from his Father. On the other hand, sinners are sons of the father of lies. As sons of the father of lies, those who rebel against the word of God live in condemnation.
Any who hatefully oppose the truth of the word of God are spiritual sons of the father of lies. But those who accept the truth of Christ, repent from sin, and live in obedience to the word of God are set free, becoming children of God and heirs to the kingdom of heaven. As Paul writes in Romans 8:17, “and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him. WEB”
Prayer: ‘Father God, thank you for the truth taught by your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for setting me free from sin. Guide me to live according to your word and will. Help me to be more like you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Salvation to All Men
