Jewish Traditions as an Obstacle to Believing in Jesus: A Rhetorical Criticism of John 8: 31–59

Abstract

The apostle John, in John 8:31–59, shows how Jewish traditions were an obstacle to believing Jesus. The passage deals with truth, liberty of true discipleship, the fatherhood of God, Abraham, the devil, and the divinity of Jesus. It relates true discipleship to knowing the truth that sets people free. By contrasting the fatherhood of God and the devil, the passage demonstrates how Jews had subscribed to false discipleship akin to open rebellion against God. This was in contrast to the conduct of Abraham, whom the Jews claimed to be their father. The study highlights that the Jewish claim of Abraham as their father was an indirect justification for practicing their traditions against the teachings of Jesus, which they presumed was a threat to their values and customs. In addition, the passage addresses the question of truth by relating falsehood with the devil and truth with God. The researcher used the rhetorical criticism approach to interpret the selected text.