Who Do You Belong To? Insights from John 8

Introduction

This week, our journey through the Gospel of John brings us to John 8:37–47. This is a powerful passage. Jesus challenges the religious leaders of His day. He also challenges us about what truly defines our spiritual identity. Here’s the text from the King James Version:

John 8:37–47

37 I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
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.
42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

In this chapter, Jesus engages in a tense dialogue with the Jews. He specifically addresses the Pharisees. They proudly claim Abraham and God as their fathers. Yet, their actions tell a different story. So, here’s a question for you today: How do you know who you belong to? Is it your family name, your reputation, or something deeper? Have you ever wondered if you rely on the wrong things to feel close to God? Maybe through your family’s faith, church attendance, or even your baptism? What if none of that’s enough? Today, we’re exploring a profound need we all share. We need to know who we really are in God’s eyes. It’s not just who we think we are because of our background. Our spiritual identity isn’t tied to lineage or status—it’s forged by living out God’s truth daily. Let’s explore this together.

Our Lives Are Not Defined by Lineage and Status

Jesus begins by addressing the Jews’ claim to Abraham. Look at these verses:

John 8:37
“I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.”
John 8:39
“They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.”
John 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.”

For the Jews, Abraham was more than an ancestor—he was the foundation of their identity. God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15, 17) promised land, descendants, and a special relationship, sealed with circumcision. This heritage wasn’t just biological; it was their claim to divine election. They believed being Abraham’s seed guaranteed their standing with God. But Jesus flips the script. He acknowledges their physical descent—“I know that ye are Abraham’s seed”—but challenges their spiritual reality. Their actions, like plotting to kill Him, show they’re not truly Abraham’s children in faith.
Think of it like a family business. Your name is on the sign, but that doesn’t mean you’ll run it unless you put in the work. Jesus tells them—and us—that belonging to God’s family isn’t about bloodlines (John 1:13). It’s about faith in Him, the only way to the Father (John 14:6). Romans 9:8 echoes this: “The children of the flesh, these are not the children of God.” The application? Stop relying on your past—your churchgoing family, good works, or baptism. Have you personally accepted Christ as Savior?

Our Lives Must Align with Divine Truth

Now, let’s read John 8:42–44 and 47:

John 8:42–44
42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
John 8:47
“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.”

Jesus draws a stark line: their actions align not with God but with Satan. Despite claiming God as Father, they reject Him, even plotting murder. We’re all born under sin’s sway (Romans 5:12). We are also under Satan’s influence (Ephesians 2:2). Jesus came to offer salvation—first to Israel (Matthew 15:24), then to all (Romans 1:16). He died for everyone’s sins (1 John 2:2). True life begins when we accept Him as Savior, breaking free from sin’s darkness.

Picture a car radio stuck on static until you tune it to the right station. Without Christ, we’re tuned to sin’s noise. His Spirit changes us with Him, aligning our lives with God’s truth. Ask yourself: Do your choices show God’s song or the devil’s? If it’s the latter, choose today to accept Christ.

Our Lives Should Show God’s Reality

Finally, John 8:47 says:
“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.”

Belonging to God shows. The Pharisees rejected Jesus’ truth (John 8:45–46), but believers hear and obey it (John 10:27). Accepting Christ (Romans 10:9) starts a lifestyle of love and obedience (John 14:15; 1 John 2:5). Like a garden, faith sprouts when planted, growing firm with God’s Word despite life’s weeds. Want to be known as God’s child? Let your actions—rooted in Scripture—prove it daily.

Conclusion

Where do you stand today? Are you banking on family, deeds, or church? Or will you trust Christ as Savior and live His reality? If you’ve never decided, Romans 10:9 says: “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” If you’re His, commit to living it—read His Word, love Him, obey Him. Let’s pray God moves us to be hearers and doers of His truth today.