John 8:42

Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on My own, but He sent Me.

Study Bible

Jesus said to them
This phrase indicates a direct communication from Jesus, emphasizing His role as a teacher and authority. In the context of the Gospel of John, Jesus often engages in dialogues that reveal deeper spiritual truths. The Greek verb "eipen" (said) underscores the authoritative and revelatory nature of His speech, as He addresses the religious leaders who are questioning His identity and authority.

If God were your Father
The conditional "if" introduces a hypothetical situation that challenges the spiritual status of Jesus' audience. The Greek word "pater" (Father) is central to understanding one's relationship with God. In Jewish tradition, God as Father signifies a covenant relationship, implying obedience and love. Jesus is questioning the authenticity of their claim to be God's children, suggesting that true sonship is evidenced by love for Him.

you would love Me
The Greek word for love here is "agapao," which denotes a selfless, unconditional love. Jesus is asserting that genuine love for God naturally results in love for Him, as He is the manifestation of God's love and truth. This love is not merely emotional but is demonstrated through acceptance and obedience to His teachings.

for I have come here from God
This phrase emphasizes Jesus' divine origin and mission. The Greek "ek tou Theou" (from God) highlights His pre-existence and the divine authority with which He speaks. Jesus is not merely a prophet or teacher; He is the incarnate Word, sent by God to reveal His will and purpose.

I have not come on My own
Here, Jesus underscores His submission to the Father's will. The Greek "ouk elēlutha ap' emautou" (not come on My own) indicates that His mission is not self-initiated but divinely ordained. This reflects the unity and harmony within the Trinity, where the Son willingly fulfills the Father's plan of salvation.

but He sent Me
The sending of Jesus by the Father is a central theme in the Gospel of John. The Greek "apesteilen" (sent) conveys the idea of being commissioned with authority. This divine sending underscores Jesus' role as the Messiah and Savior, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and revealing God's redemptive plan for humanity. The historical context of messianic expectations in first-century Judaism adds depth to this statement, as Jesus positions Himself as the fulfillment of those hopes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing the Jewish leaders and people who are questioning His authority and identity.

2. Jewish Leaders
The audience to whom Jesus is speaking. They are skeptical of Jesus' claims and are challenging His teachings.

3. God the Father
Referred to by Jesus as the one who sent Him, emphasizing the divine origin and authority of His mission.

4. The Sending of Jesus
This event highlights the divine mission of Jesus, sent by God to fulfill His purpose on earth.

5. The Concept of Spiritual Fatherhood
Jesus challenges the Jewish leaders' claim of God as their Father, pointing to the necessity of recognizing and loving Jesus as evidence of true spiritual kinship with God.

Teaching Points

Understanding Divine Mission
Recognize that Jesus' mission was divinely ordained, and His authority comes from God the Father. This understanding should deepen our reverence and commitment to His teachings.

Love as Evidence of Faith
True love for Jesus is evidence of a genuine relationship with God. Evaluate your love for Christ as a reflection of your spiritual kinship with the Father.

Spiritual Discernment
Discern the true nature of spiritual fatherhood. Claiming God as Father requires a heart aligned with His will, demonstrated through love and acceptance of Jesus.

The Importance of Being Sent
Reflect on the concept of being sent by God in your own life. Consider how you can fulfill your divine purpose and mission in your daily walk.

Challenge of Spiritual Identity
Jesus challenges the Jewish leaders' spiritual identity. Reflect on your own spiritual identity and ensure it aligns with the truth of the Gospel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jesus' statement in John 8:42 challenge the understanding of spiritual fatherhood among the Jewish leaders, and how can this challenge apply to us today?

2. In what ways does recognizing Jesus as sent by God influence our relationship with Him and our understanding of His teachings?

3. How can we demonstrate our love for Jesus in practical ways that affirm our relationship with God the Father?

4. What does it mean to be "sent" by God in our own lives, and how can we discern and fulfill our divine mission?

5. How do other scriptures, such as John 1:14 and 1 John 4:7-8, enhance our understanding of the relationship between loving Jesus and knowing God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 1:14
This verse speaks of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, which connects to Jesus' claim of being sent by God.

1 John 4:7-8
These verses discuss the nature of love and knowing God, reinforcing the idea that loving Jesus is a sign of knowing God.

John 14:6
Jesus declares Himself as the way, the truth, and the life, which ties into His claim of being sent by God and the necessity of loving Him to know the Father.

Galatians 4:4-6
Paul speaks of God sending His Son, which aligns with Jesus' statement about being sent by the Father.