At my age, if someone said, “Who’s your daddy?” I’d probably reply with my father’s name. Now, it is a slang expression in the form of a rhetorical question. Mostly, it is a boast intended to dominate the listener and possibly elicit laughter.

In John chapter eight, the Pharisees initiated a contentious conversation with the Lord Jesus that could have the title, “Who’s your daddy?”

Jesus had just told his listeners, “If you continue in my teaching, you are really my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” The Pharisees took issue with this statement claiming they were never enslaved to any person (John 8:33). What a short memory they had! They forgot their bondage to several nations during the days of the judges. They had forgotten they were in bondage to the Babylonians and others between the Old and New Testaments. And even at the time of this conversation, the Jews were subject to the Romans.

Still, they continued to claim they were the freed sons of Abraham. Jesus knew they were physically descended from Abraham but then told them that their conduct was inconsistent with Abraham’s behavior.

When examining our behavior, are we proving God is our father, or do the facts say otherwise? If God is our father, our behavior should attest. Is there a more important issue here? Yes, Jesus said.

The Jews didn’t realize the worst taskmaster they had was sin. They were in bondage to sin and Jesus was trying to free them. He said,

“If you are Abraham’s children, you would be doing the deeds of Abraham. But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth I heard from God. Abraham did not do this!” (John 8:39-40).

Each person should examine themselves to see whether they are in bondage to sin or servants of God. Which father do we resemble? Who’s your daddy?

by John Henson