Scripture reading: Romans 8:14–17

Who’s Your Daddy?

A Personal Paraphrase of John 8:12–59

 

Jesus stated the matter forcefully: “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you’ll never be in the dark. You’ll have all the light you need.” When the Pharisees heard this they were shocked. “That’s preposterous.  How dare you make such a claim?” they said. “I’m telling the truth,” Jesus replied. “I came from my Father and I’m going back to him. That’s why you can be sure my words are true.” “Yeah, right,” scoffed the Pharisees. “Just where is this daddy of yours?” Jesus answered, “You don’t know me so you don’t know him. If you knew who I was, then you would know who he was and where he can be found.”

This made the religious big shots really mad, but Jesus wasn’t finished yet: “I’m going to leave and go to a place where you can’t find me.” “Are you going to commit suicide?” the Pharisees chuckled. “No, I’m talking about that other world, the one I come from,” Jesus said. “But of course you wouldn’t know anything about that world. All you know about is this one.” The Jews were incredulous. “Who are you?” they asked. “I’ve already told you,” Jesus said. “But you refuse to listen. You’ll know who I am soon enough . . . when you lift me up . . . on a cross!”

Many in the crowd were impressed with Jesus’ words and believed in him. But Jesus, wanting to be sure that their faith was authentic, said, “Only those who absorb my words and live in them continually are really my disciples. And if you are my disciples then you’ll know the truth, and if you know the truth you will be set free!”

“We’ve never been slaves of anyone!” said the Jewish leaders. “We’re children of Abraham. How can you say we need to be set free?” Jesus replied: “If you live in sin you’re a slave. It’s that simple. No one is truly free until I make them so. You claim to be Abraham’s children, but if you were really his kids then you would be acting like him. But you want to kill me because I told you the truth! Abraham would never do that. You’re acting like your true father.” The Pharisees shot back in anger: “We only have one true father—God!”

“Really?” said Jesus. “If God were your Father, you would know who I am because I came from God and only do what he tells me to do. In fact, he is the one who sent me to you! Your behavior makes it obvious who your real father is: the devil! He has always hated the truth, and so do you. Yes, the family resemblance is unmistakable. He is a liar and a murderer and you are too! If God were your father you would believe in me. But you don’t. So it’s perfectly clear who your real father is. Like father, like son.”

“You are possessed by a demon,” said the Jews. “No,” replied Jesus, “I am not demon-possessed but I am possessed with a passion to bring honor to my Father. He’s the judge and he will make it clear who is right and who is wrong. He’ll take care of me because my purpose in life is to glorify him. If you would only believe me and do what I say, you would never die.”

“Now we’re sure you are possessed,” said the Jews. “Who do you think you are? Are you greater than our father Abraham?” Jesus replied, “Abraham knew I was coming and was thrilled about it!” “What?” exclaimed the Jews. “Abraham knew about you? He lived many centuries ago. You’re not even fifty! Are you telling us that you know Abraham?” “Let me be honest with you,” Jesus said. “Before Abraham even existed . . . I am.”

This was just too much! The Jewish leaders found some rocks and were about to stone him, but Jesus discreetly slipped out of the Temple and hid himself. His time had not yet come.

 

A little lie is like a little pregnancy:

it doesn’t take long before everyone knows.—C. S. Lewis

 

point to ponder • Who’s your father? Your behavior reveals the truth of your real identity.

prayer focus • Eyes to see for those who have deceived themselves into believing they are children of God.