John 8:39

The Jewish leaders do not give in. “Abraham is our father!” they insist. “If this is as you say,” Jesus replies, “you would behave more like children of Abraham—in harmony with the his life of faith.” John 8:39 EFP 

There are all sorts of underlying themes in this exchange between the Jewish religious leaders and Jesus. Their repeated reference to their father-son relationship with Abraham is no doubt a reference made to denigrate Jesus who has questionable pedigree due to his suspicious birth in Nazareth. They know who their father is. In their eyes, Jesus’ claim to the Father in heaven is no doubt a ploy meant to minimize the questions about his earthly father.

The holy squad once again restates their assertion, “Abraham is our father!” they say. Jesus has obviously anticipated this reply to his previous claim. He immediately points out the obvious. This group is intent not only in discrediting and humiliating Jesus, but they are determined to do away with him, through violence if needed.  This is certainly not living in harmony with the life of faith lived out by their “father.” Even if they deny Jesus’ claims regarding the heavenly father, they cannot deny the fact that his daily life revealed a level of faith they could not match. He is living a more Abraham-like life than those who claim to be his children. It causes me to ponder the times my life has failed to validate the claims I make through my words. If I choose to “talk the talk” I must “walk the walk” or change my “talk.”