In John 8:31, there is a discussion around discipleship. Judaism, at least as was being practiced was what their fathers (small f) had taught them as descendants of Abraham.
Jesus (the new covenant) was sharing something captured in the old, but limited by their religious history.
"I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.”
John 8:37-38 NIV
Today's Christianity is guilty of somewhat the same.
Jesus goes on to voice the impact of religion on their life, actually distorting the foundation of their beliefs as once lived out by Abraham.
"Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did. As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You are doing the works of your own father.”
John 8:39-41
Our manifestation of the Christ is likely quite distant today because of religion and thus much of our influence on the globe diminished beyond our military might and our economic impact as consumers.
However, there are those among the next generation who desire more from the body of Christ and thus the struggle within the Institutional Church.
Change is coming.
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