“Ego quod vidi apud Patrem meum, loquor : et vos quæ vidistis apud patrem vestrum, facitis.”
“I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.”
“I speak of what I have seen in the presence of the Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.””
“I say the things which I have seen with my Father; and you also do the things which you have seen with your father.””
“I speak the things which I have seen with my Father: and ye also do the things which ye heard from your father.”
The things that you have seen with your father. That is, you follow the suggestions of the devil, whom, (ver. 44.) in plain terms, he calls their father. (Witham)
I. He here traces the difference between his sentiments and theirs to a different rise and origin (v. 38): I speak that which I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have seen with your father. Here are two fathers spoken of, according to the two families into which the sons of men are divided—God and the devil, and without controversy these are contrary the one to the other.
Verses 37-40 Our Lord opposed the proud and vain confidence of these Jews, showing that their descent from Abraham could not profit those of a contrary spirit to him. Where the word of God has no place, no good is to be expected; room is left there for all wickedness. A sick person who turns from his physician, and will take neither remedies nor food, is past hope of recovery. The truth both heals and nourishes the hearts of those who receive it. The truth taught by philosophers has not this power and effect, but only the truth of God. Those who claim the privileges of Abraham, must do Abraham's works; must be strangers and sojourners in this world; keep up the worship of God in their families, and always walk before God.