John 8:39-45 They answered and said to Him, "Abraham is our father."
Jesus said to them, "If you are Abraham's children, do the deeds of Abraham. But as it is, you are seeking to kill Me, a man who told you the truth, which I heard from God; this Abraham did not do. You are doing the deeds your father."
They said to Him, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God."
Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me.
"Why do not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word.
"You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand for the truth, because there is not truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar and the father of lies.
"But because I speak the truth, you do not believe me."
Jesus was speaking spiritually. This is typical of the gospel of John, which portrays the spiritual side of Jesus much deeper than do the synoptic gospels. Abraham was known for his faith. Jesus was lambasting the Pharisees for not following in Abraham's spiritual footsteps.