“You are of the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s wishes. He has never stood in the truth since he is a murderer at heart and lacks integrity. (John 8:44)
Jesus asks certain Jews, “If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?” during a conversation. These individuals actively oppose him rather than simply being dubious about whether or not to believe his assertions. “You seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God,” declares Jesus. Though it turns out to be true, that is a significant accusation. It seems that these folks find it intolerable to hear the truth that Jesus is teaching.
Jesus provides an explanation for their animosity: they aspire to obey their “father,” the devil. His followers prefer his lies above the unvarnished word of God as he is “a liar and the father of lies.” This issue first appears in the Bible’s third chapter, when Satan invades God’s benevolent creation and uses deception to lure Eve into transgression. He claims that Adam and Eve will benefit from defying the Lord and that their Creator is resentful of them for wanting to “be like God, knowing good and evil.” Despite the terrible results of Satan’s falsehoods, people continue to believe him! For as long as they do, the devil and his harmful intentions will have dominion over them.
Who is your spiritual father? Is it God or Satan?
