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Book of John - Chapter 8 - Verse 41

8:41
Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.

Meaning

In this verse from the Gospel of John, Jesus is addressing a group of people who claim to be descendants of Abraham, but are questioning his authority. Jesus responds by telling them that their actions are in line with their true father, not Abraham. The people then retort, claiming that they are not born of fornication and that God is their Father.

This exchange highlights a deeper spiritual truth that Jesus is trying to convey. He is pointing out that being a physical descendant of Abraham is not enough to truly be a child of God. Jesus is emphasizing the importance of one's actions and beliefs aligning with the will of God in order to be considered a true child of God. This challenges the traditional understanding of lineage and heritage, shifting the focus to one's spiritual relationship with God.

By saying "Ye do the deeds of your father," Jesus is calling attention to the disconnect between the people's claims of lineage and their actual behavior. He is highlighting the importance of living a life that reflects one's spiritual connection to God, rather than relying solely on ancestry or tradition. This verse serves as a reminder to prioritize spiritual alignment with God over earthly ties and to live in a way that reflects one's true identity as a child of God.

Theological Overview

In this verse, Jesus is addressing the religious leaders who are claiming to be children of Abraham. However, Jesus challenges their claim by pointing out that their actions do not align with the teachings of God. He accuses them of doing the deeds of their true father, who is not Abraham, but rather the devil. The religious leaders respond by asserting their lineage, stating that they are not born of fornication but have God as their Father. This exchange highlights Jesus' point that true lineage is not based on physical descent but on spiritual alignment.

From a theological standpoint, this verse emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith through actions. It serves as a reminder that claiming to be a child of God requires more than just words – it requires a life that reflects God's character. Additionally, the mention of fornication may allude to the spiritual unfaithfulness of the religious leaders, who are not truly following God despite their claims. Overall, this verse challenges readers to examine their own lives and ensure that their actions are in line with their professed beliefs in order to truly be considered children of God.

American Standard Version

Ye do the works of your father. They said unto him, We were not born of fornication; we have one Father, [even] God.
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