Who's Your Daddy

Read John 8:31-44

So often we have this image of Jesus and it's not exactly in line with what the Bible actually says. Sometimes we see Him as this soft spoken, kind, cordial and even tolerant teacher. Other times we see Him as this amazing miracle man from times past who simply came to preach and teach a message of forgiveness and acceptance. Yet in reading the gospels we see some things we often forget about His interactions with people who didn't think much about Him, who didn't care much about His teaching and preaching and miracles and everything else He brought to the table because He was challenging their belief. And if you've ever engaged in conversation with someone about whether or not their faith was right, you know what we're talking about.

Jesus had this conversation recorded in John 8:31-44 where He tells the religious leaders of His day God is not their father. Think about that. Today we hear people say things like we're all God's children. But that's not what Jesus says. In fact, He says not only isn't God their father but their father is the devil. Admittedly this seems extreme at first glance. But Jesus and the rest of scripture doesn't shy away from truth. We are either for Him or against Him.

None of us likes to hear we are enemies of God. But the truth is left to ourselves, without the atoning sacrifice of Christ's death on the cross, that's what we are. Because all sinners outside of Christ are enslaved, held captive by sin, and therefore, by definition, hostile to God.

That is why we should celebrate what Jesus did for us. By His sacrifice, sins are forgiven for everyone who believes. And by His sacrifice, our relationship with God the Father has changed from enemies of God to friends of God. Take time this week to praise God for this redeemed relationship offered to everyone who by faith believes Jesus is the Messiah.