What Jesus Did! 'Pedigree or Faith?' — John 8:37-40

Sunday, June 21, 2026

[Continuing his reply to the Jews, Jesus said,] "Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because there's no room in your hearts for my message. I am telling you what I saw when I was with my Father. But you are following the advice of your father."

"Our father is Abraham!" they declared.

"No," Jesus replied, "for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example. Instead, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing."

— John 8:37-40 NLT

Key Thought

What is your claim for significance? Is it your wealth, education, health, appearance, or achievement? What about your family heritage, your neighborhood, or your reputation? The thing that matters most is what you do with Jesus! What are you going to trust to make a difference in the most important part of your life, the eternal part of your life? Are you going to trust in your pedigree or in your Savior?

Today's Prayer

Father, forgive me because I have sometimes been arrogant about my achievements and self-righteous because of my religious heritage. I recognize that I find my life, my hope, my joy, and my salvation in Jesus, in whose name I offer you my life and my praise. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of John 8:37-40 NLT — "for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example. Instead, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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