Abraham is a descendant of Shem and Jews regard him as the Patriarch of the Jewish people. Abraham was the first person to teach Genesis 1:1, before then, people believed in many gods. Ironically, Abraham’s father, Terah, had made his living selling idols of various gods.

Terah and Abraham did not get along, Abraham threatened Terah and he turned Abraham over to Nimrod to be put to death. Terah was a descendant of Noah and so was Nimrod. To dismiss Terah as an elder and the one incorrect causes a problem with Jesus. The Jews predicted the Messiah to be a male descendant of Solomon. Thus when Herod found out that Jesus was not a male descendant of Solomon he sought to have him killed. Not a single scripture predicted that God would come to Earth as a man. Why? Abraham said it was not possible, he rebuked his father for even thinking that anything in the Universe could be eternal. John 3:16 states eternal life. John 3:16 is not possible with Genesis 1:1. Verily, verily, I say unto you before Abraham was, I am (John 8:58). Jesus did not say before Adam, Noah, Terah, or even Nimrod. Jesus and Abraham would not be friends and Herod knew this fact.  Saul was initially not a friend of Jesus.

Why would Jesus and Abraham not be friends? Abraham is promoting a false god in Genesis 1:1. I am not seeking to change Genesis 1:1. Any change to it would make no sense as to why Peter denied Jesus or why the Jews released Barabas and had Jesus crucified. Once everyone knew that Jesus claimed to be God, even Jesus’ blood brothers did not believe. Moreover, Jesus chose Abraham because he wanted it to be clear that man can’t tell God what he can and can’t do (John 8:58)! Abraham states that not a single thing in the Universe is eternal or can be an idol. When Hindus worship idols, they are worshiping the truth that makes them an idol. Becoming a truth for the Hindu’s is the only way to free yourself from reincarnation. Truth makes one an idol. Jesus stated I am the way the truth and the life.

There are requirements to be a disciple of Jesus. A disciple of Jesus is a friend of Jesus. The requirements by themselves are a representation of Love, together they show a cherished friendship. Abraham thought he knew it all and had a hard time listening to his father, thus he did not deny himself as the father of Genesis 1:1 (John 8:58). Jesus states in John 3:16 what Abraham disagreed with his father Terah about resulting in a broken family. Abraham did not state publicly that he forgave his father Terah for handing him over to Nimrod to be put to death. Quoted by Rashi from the Midrash Rabbah is that indeed Terach was still alive when Abram left Haran. Why does the text say that he dies? Abram was 75 years old when he left Haran, Terach was 70 years old when Abram was born, thus 145 years old when Abram left Haran. Many years of Terach’s life remained at the time of Abram’s departure. Why then did the Torah put the death of Terach ahead of the departure of Abram? So that the matter should not be public information as people would say, “Abram did not fulfill the mitzvah, precept of honoring his father, for he abandoned him in his old age and went off.” This is why the Torah verse refers to Terach as dead, to protect Abram from such shame. Also, Terach is considered dead because, for the wicked, even during their lifetime, they are considered as dead.

Moreover, Abraham did not forgive Terah. Jesus states, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me, and he does not say except Abraham. He does not state everyone except Abraham. Abraham does not get a free pass not to take up his cross and forgive others. Discipleship is friendship with Jesus. Grace is eternal friendship. Grace is a gift. Discipleship is work. Grace does not come first.