John 8:33-59

33They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been enslaved to anyone. What do You mean by saying, ‘You will be set free’?”

34Jesus answered, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, everyone who practices sin habitually is a slave of sin.

35Now the slave does not remain in a household forever; the son [of the master] does remain forever.

36So if the Son makes you free, then you are unquestionably free.

37I know that you are Abraham’s descendants; yet you plan to kill Me, because My word has no place [to grow] in you [and it makes no change in your heart].

38I tell the things that I have seen at My Father’s side [in His very presence]; so you also do the things that you heard from your father.”

39They answered, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you are [truly] Abraham’s children, then do the works of Abraham and follow his example.

40But as it is, you want to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God. This is not the way Abraham acted.

41You are doing the works of your [own] father.” They said to Him, “We are not illegitimate children; we have one [spiritual] Father: God.”

42Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father [but He is not], you would love and recognize Me, for I came from God [out of His very presence] and have arrived here. For I have not even come on My own initiative [as self-appointed], but He [is the One who] sent Me.

43Why do you misunderstand what I am saying? It is because [your spiritual ears are deaf and] you are unable to hear [the truth of] My word.

44You are of your father the devil, and it is your will to practice the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar and the father of lies and half-truths.

45But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me [and continue in your unbelief].

46Which one of you [has proof and] convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me?

47Whoever is of God and belongs to Him hears [the truth of] God’s words; for this reason you do not hear them: because you are not of God and you are not in fellowship with Him.”

48The Jews answered Him, “Are we not right when we say You are a Samaritan and [that You] have a demon [and are under its power]?”

49Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon. On the contrary, I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me.

50However, I am not seeking glory for Myself. There is One who seeks [glory for Me] and judges [those who dishonor Me].

51I assure you and most solemnly say to you, if anyone keeps My word [by living in accordance with My message] he will indeed never, ever see and experience death.”

52The Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon [and are under its power]. Abraham died, and also the prophets; yet You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word, he will never, ever taste of death.’

53Are You greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets died too! Whom do You make Yourself out to be?”

54Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory is [worth] nothing. It is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’

55Yet you do not know Him, but I know Him fully. If I said I did not know Him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know Him and keep His word.

56Your father Abraham [greatly] rejoiced to see My day (My incarnation). He saw it and was delighted.”

57Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not even fifty years old, and You [claim to] have seen Abraham?”

58Jesus replied, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, before Abraham was born, I Am.”

59So they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus concealed Himself and left the temple.