What is the meaning of John 8:40? But now you are trying to kill Me Jesus states plainly, “But now you are trying to kill Me…” (John 8:40). • The religious leaders’ murderous intent exposes the depth of their unbelief (John 5:18; 7:1; 7:25). • Their hostility fulfills the pattern Jesus later highlights: “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone Me?” (John 10:32). • Attempting to silence God’s Messenger has a tragic history—Stephen recounts it: “Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?” (Acts 7:52). Jesus’ words reveal that rejecting Him ultimately becomes violent opposition to God Himself. a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God Jesus identifies Himself as “a man” yet fully commissioned by God: • He speaks only what the Father gives (John 8:26, 28; 12:49). • His humanity is genuine—He is the incarnate Word (John 1:14)—so their plot targets a real, flesh-and-blood person. • Every word He utters is “truth” (John 14:6), exposing deception and offering life (John 6:63). • Rejecting that truth shuts hearts against the very message that can save (John 5:24; 17:8). Abraham never did such a thing “Abraham never did such a thing” (John 8:40) contrasts genuine faith with murderous unbelief. • Abraham welcomed God’s word, believing it (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3). • He showed hospitality to God’s messengers (Genesis 18:1-8), the opposite of plotting harm. • Paul notes that Abraham’s true children “walk in the footsteps of the faith he had” (Romans 4:12); Jesus echoes that here (John 8:39). • Their attempt on Jesus’ life proves they do not share Abraham’s spiritual lineage (Galatians 3:6-9). summary John 8:40 spotlights a stark inconsistency: the leaders claim descent from Abraham, yet they seek to kill the very One who faithfully relays God’s truth. Abraham believed and obeyed; they reject and plot violence. The verse calls every reader to embrace the truth Jesus brings, walking in Abraham-like faith that welcomes God’s Word and honors His Messenger. |
    |