In this passage Jesus and the Jewish leaders dispute over whether or not they are sons of God. They say they are Abraham's children and therefore children of God. However, Jesus calls them out saying they are neither because they will not listen to the one who comes from God. Instead, they are seeking to kill him. They do this because he says they are enslaved to sin. If they would only listen the truth would free them. They may be descended from Abraham, but they are not his children (see Romans 9:6).
In the Bible we see that we live among lost souls who are blinded by their ignorance, enslaved to their sin, and dead in their transgressions. They cannot comprehend what they are doing. They are unable to do what they should. They simply cannot do it. They are incapable, of themselves, to even listen to or understand what is standing right before them.
As Paul prayed, "Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved (Romans 10:1)." Lord, help me to have patience and grace with those who have not yet come to know you. May your word flow through me, and may the example of my life, guided by your Spirit testify to your goodness and glory that those such as these might come to faith in you.
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