What does John 8:42 mean?
Jesus is using the analogy of fatherhood to explain why His critics refuse to accept His claims. Children inherit the nature of their fathers. So, those who are the "true sons" of Abraham will do as Abraham did. He obeyed God and accepted God's words. Jesus brings the words of God (John 8:38), and the will of God (John 6:38), proven by both Scripture and miracles (John 5:30–47). And yet, these religious leaders have ignored His message and attempted to have Him killed (John 5:18). Their actions suggest that they have a spiritual father other than Abraham and other than God (John 8:44).In continuing to make this point, Jesus once again claims that He is acting in submission to God the Father (John 6:57).
The critics' responses have become less and less meaningful, and recently sank to the level of petty insults (John 8:41). As Jesus continues to highlight their hypocrisy, they will accuse Him of insanity (John 8:48) and then resort to physical violence (John 8:59).