John 8:56 Cross References

John 8:56

56: Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad."

All these faithful ones died without receiving what God had promised them, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed the promises of God. They agreed that they were no more than foreigners and nomads here on earth.

and through your descendants, all the nations of the earth will be blessed--all because you have obeyed me."

"Our father is Abraham," they declared. "No," Jesus replied, "for if you were children of Abraham, you would follow his good example.

The real children of Abraham, then, are all those who put their faith in God.
What's more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would accept the Gentiles, too, on the basis of their faith. God promised this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, "All nations will be blessed through you."
And so it is: All who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.

I tell you, many prophets and kings have longed to see and hear what you have seen and heard, but they could not."

I assure you, many prophets and godly people have longed to see and hear what you have seen and heard, but they could not.

All of these people we have mentioned received God's approval because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.

This salvation was something the prophets wanted to know more about. They prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you, even though they had many questions as to what it all could mean.
They wondered what the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ's suffering and his great glory afterward. They wondered when and to whom all this would happen.
They were told that these things would not happen during their lifetime, but many years later, during yours. And now this Good News has been announced by those who preached to you in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.

Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because my message does not find a place in your hearts.

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