43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:43–44, NKJV)
Jesus challenged His audience to examine why they argued with Him and opposed His teachings. Why did they refuse to know and abide in the truth (John 8:31-32)? Why couldn’t they understand what He was saying? It was not because His word was unknowable. It was because they were not listening to Him with willing hearts. They were not committed to knowing and following His word (v. 43). Why were their hearts so closed that they would not believe and follow Jesus? Because they desired the sins of the devil instead of the truth of God (v. 44). The devil is a liar who convinces people not to believe the word of God, the Bible. He lies about Jesus, the Son of God. He lies about His gospel, God’s power to save. He lies about Christians when they follow the truth of Christ. At some point, all who reject the word of Jesus must face what is apparent: They are children of the devil and not children of God. That is the hard truth of the matter. What we desire will be reflected in our attitude and actions toward Jesus and His word. Do you want His truth? If so, then believe and follow it. (Reprint with edits of Sword Tips #604)
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