Isn't it true, according to the context surrounding verse 35 of John chapter 8, that Jesus was telling the Jews that they were not the children of promise?
Yes, that's correct. In the broader context of John chapter 8, Jesus is indeed challenging the Jews' claim to being Abraham's descendants and, by extension, children of promise. He points out that their actions—seeking to kill Him—demonstrate that they are not living as true children of Abraham would, who would embrace His message and God's truth.
In John 8:34, Jesus says, "Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin." This sets up His statement in verse 35 about the slave not remaining in the house forever. He contrasts the temporary status of a slave with the permanent status of a son. By implication, Jesus is indicating that those who live in sin are not truly part of God's family, despite their physical descent from Abraham.
In verses 37-39, Jesus acknowledges their physical descent from Abraham but challenges them by saying, "If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did." He goes further in verse 44, stating that they are of their "father the devil," because they are doing the works of evil, not of God.
So, in essence, Jesus is telling them that being true children of promise, like Abraham's spiritual descendants, involves more than just lineage; it requires living according to God's will and accepting the truth He brings.
ChatGPT / Aaron Fisher