Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 8:43-44

"Why do ye not understand my speech? [Even] because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof." — John 8:43-44 (ASV)

Why do you not understand my speech? It is because you cannot hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do.

Christ does not speak very gentle words at all times. A deeply rooted disease needs a sharp medicine, and he gives it. He uses the knife sometimes, and if there is a deadly ulcer that must be cut away, he knows how to do it with all the sternness of which his loving heart is capable.