John 8:44

"Why don’t you understand my speech? Because you can’t hear my word."

Key Reflection

This verse highlights that understanding Jesus' teachings requires more than just hearing them outwardly; it demands a willingness to accept and internalize His message, which the Pharisees lacked due to their pride and refusal to believe. Essentially, true comprehension comes from a heart open to receiving divine truth, not just passive listening.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 44. Ye are of your father the devil. That is, you have the temper, disposition, or spirit of the devil. You are influenced by him, you imitate him, and ought therefore to be called his children. See also 1 Jo 3:8-10; Ac 13:10: "Thou child of the devil." The devil. See Barnes "Mt 4:1". The lusts. The desires or the wishes. You do what pleases him. Ye will do. The word will, here, is not an auxiliary verb. It does not simply express futurity, or that such a thing will take place, but it implies an act of volition. This you will or choose to do. The same mode of speech occurs in Joh 5:40. In what respects they showed that they were the children of the devil he proceeds to state: 1st.

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