Homilies on the Gospel of John

“Are you greater than our father Abraham?”

Alas for their vainglory! Again do they betake themselves to his relationship. Yet it would have been suitable to say, “Are you greater than God? Or they who have heard you than Abraham?” But they say not this, because they thought that He was even less than Abraham. At first, therefore, He showed that they were murderers, and so led them away from the relationship; but when they persevered, He contrived this in another way, showing that they labored uselessly. And concerning the “death,” He said nothing to them, neither did He reveal or tell them what kind of death He meant, but in the meantime He would have them believe, that He is greater than Abraham, that even by this He may put them to shame. “Certainly,” He says, “were I a common man I ought not to die, having done no wrong; but when I speak the truth, and have no sin, am sent from God, and am greater than Abraham, are you not mad, do ye not labor in vain when you attempt to kill Me?” What then is their reply? “Now we know that you have a devil.” Not so spoke the woman of Samaria. She said not to Him, “You have a devil”; but only, “Are you greater than our father Jacob?” For these men were insolent and accursed, while she desired to learn; wherefore she doubted and answered with proper moderation, and called Him, “Lord.” For one who promised far greater things, and who was worthy of credit, ought not to have been insulted, but even admired; yet these men said that He had a devil. Those expressions of the Samaritan woman were those of one in doubt; these were the words of men unbelieving and perverse. “Are you greater than our father Abraham?” so that this (which He had said) makes Him to be greater than Abraham. “When therefore you have seen Him lifted up, you shall confess that He is greater.” On this account He said, “When you have lifted Me up, you shall know that I Am.” And observe His wisdom. Having first rent them away from Abraham's kindred, He shows that He is greater than Abraham, that so He may be seen to be very exceedingly greater than the Prophets also. Indeed it was because they continually called Him a prophet that He said, “My word has no place in you.” In that other place He declared that He raises the dead, but here He says, “He that believes shall never see death,” which was a much greater thing than not to allow believers to be holden, by death. Wherefore the Jews were the more enraged. What then say they?

“Whom makest you yourself?”

And this too in an insulting manner. “You are taking somewhat upon yourself,” says one of them. To this then Christ replies;