The pride of the children of Abraham hinders salvation

Third Sunday of Lent

Third Edition

Gospel John 8:46–59 Jesus, the Conqueror of Evil

Jesus said:

“Which of you can prove that I have sinned? And if I speak the truth, why do you not believe me? He who is from God hears the words of God. You do not hear, because you are not from God.”

The Jews said to Jesus: “You are a Samaritan and have a demon. Is this so?” Jesus answered: “I do not have a demon. I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. I do not seek my own glory, but there is another who seeks and judges. Truly, truly, whoever keeps my word will never see death.”

The Jews said to him, “Now you have a demon. Abraham is dead, and the prophets, and you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham? He is dead, and so are the prophets. Who do you think you are?”

Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. My Father glorifies me, the one you say is your God. You have not known him, but I know him. If I said, ‘I do not know him,’ I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it and was glad.”

The Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and you have seen Abraham!” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, before Abraham was, I am.” Then they began to pick up stones to throw at him. ( John 8:46–59 Third Edition)

Controversy

In the eighth chapter of the Gospel of John, especially in verses 46–59, there is a powerful discussion between Jesus and the children of Abraham. This discussion, which sometimes turns almost into a fight, reveals how pride and misconceptions play a significant role in people’s relationship with divine truth. In this blog post, we will discuss these verses, their background, and what pride means on the path to salvation.

Jesus and the Children of Abraham

The discussion in John 8:46–59 begins with a strong claim that Jesus was born of the true spirit. When the children of Abraham, the ancient Israelite kingdom, reject Jesus, they reveal their own pride and distorted view of their own standing in the eyes of God. They ask Jesus, “Are you greater than our father Abraham?” This question encapsulates the biggest obstacle that prevents many people from understanding Jesus’ word—pride.

Pride and Its Consequences

Pride is a sin that prevents people from receiving God’s word. When people are arrogant, they often suppress their need for humility and help. Pride can especially prevent people from acknowledging their own situation: they may believe that salvation comes from their own inheritance or works, not from the grace offered by Christ.

In the Bible, Jesus reminds us that salvation does not depend on whose descendants we are. In fact, he continues, anyone who holds on to his word will not face death. At this point, Jesus reveals the core message: the key to salvation is in his grace, not, say, in the inheritance of Abraham.

Abraham’s Pride and Its Meaning

The children of Abraham were proud of their status and traditions. They saw themselves as a special people who had received commandments and promises from God. This idea that they were descendants of Abraham made them confident in their own religious status. However, Jesus turns this understanding on its head. He says that although Abraham is a great patriarch, he cannot provide the key to salvation. That is the work of Jesus. This message reveals how deeply the Jews, like all of us, are earthly, and that all need God’s grace.

Jesus’ Answers

When Jesus says, “Truly, truly, before Abraham was, I am,” he is claiming to be the source of eternal life. This argument has enormous significance. It not only affirms Jesus’ divine character, but it also challenges his listeners’ understanding of what it means to be God’s people. Jesus’ words reflect his divine understanding of power and authority. His likeness cannot come only through human lineage; he is eternal and transcends time.

Relevance Today

Although this discussion took place over 2,000 years ago, its teaching is still relevant. Pride or belief in one’s own works is still an obstacle to salvation. I believe that this pride manifests itself in many ways in today’s world. We do well to ask ourselves if we hold our own position or traditions above our relationship with God? Has a proud idea of our background prevented us from accepting Jesus’ message?

Summary

A relationship with God does not arise solely from historical or cultural tradition, but from a personal relationship with Christ. This means that everyone needs the atoning work of Jesus, regardless of what they have studied, who their parents are, or what tradition they were raised in. The Bible teaches that God’s good will extends to all peoples. No one can be so proud that they do not need the salvation that Jesus offers. The conversation between the children of Abraham and Jesus is a perfect example of how pride can prevent people from seeing the truth. Their pride in their own tradition blinded them to the message of Jesus.

From our perspective, it is important to recognize that salvation is not in the hands of men or in historical tradition, but is found only in Jesus. His word and grace are the key that opens the way to heavenly life. We must be careful not to fall into the same trap as the children of Abraham. We cannot let pride prevent us from accepting God’s word and the gift of his grace.

What is your personal relationship with Jesus? Has pride, your own position, or your background prevented you from understanding his word and salvation? It is time to make room for humility and to seize the great gift of grace that Jesus offers to all who seek him.

In conclusion

Understanding that no one can overcome the demands of the law through their pride is the first step towards the truth. Jesus is the only way, the truth and the life. Pride can prevent us from finding this truth, but humility can open the doors to God’s love and grace. Let us therefore be ready to leave pride behind and enter into a gracious relationship with Jesus. We can all learn from the experience of the children of Abraham: pride is enough to hinder us, but humility leads us to life and salvation. Let us therefore turn to him and allow his grace to transform us.