What does John 8:37 mean?
In response to Jesus' claims of spiritual truth, His critics have professed to be children of Abraham. At this point, they still misunderstand the way in which Jesus refers to God as His "father." Their confusion lies in assuming that, as descendants of Abraham, they are part of the "house" of God. Jesus' comments over the last few verses dispute that assumption. His analogy highlights the difference between a household servant and the master's son. One is not a permanent part of the family, while the other is guaranteed a place with the master. The "true" sons of Abraham, then, are those who are spiritually the sons of God—a status only available to those who trust in Christ (Romans 2:28–29; Galatians 3:29).Jesus is aware that the religious leaders of Jerusalem and their followers—called "the Jews" here in the gospel of John—are the descendants of Abraham. However, they are not really part of God's family since they don't accept the message of God. That message includes Christ (John 6:29). Since they reject Jesus they also reject God, and thus they cannot claim to have His truth or His light inside them. Jesus' challenge to their spiritual arrogance has led them not only to reject Him but to attempt to kill Him (John 5:18).
This leads Jesus to continue the analogy of "fatherhood" by making a brutally condemning remark. In the next verses, Jesus will suggest that the people opposing Him are following the example of their spiritual father…who is neither God nor Abraham. Rather, according to Christ, their father is the Devil (John 8:44)!
