John 8:30-47

30Many people who heard Jesus say these things believed in him.

31Then Jesus said to the Jews who now believed him, ‘Continue to obey the words that I have spoken to you. If you do that, you are really my disciples.

32Then you will know what is true. And that will make you free.’

33They answered him, ‘We are descendants of Abraham. We have never been anyone's slaves. But you say that we will become free. What do you mean?’

34Jesus answered them, ‘I tell you this: Everyone who does wrong things is a slave to sin.

35A slave does not belong to a family for ever. But a son does belong to a family for ever.

36So, if the Son makes you free, you will really be free.

37I know that you belong to Abraham's family. But you are looking for a way to kill me. That is because you have no place in yourselves for my words.

38I speak about the things that my Father has shown me. You do the things that you have heard from your father.’

39They answered, ‘Abraham is our father!’ Jesus replied, ‘If you really belonged to Abraham's family, you would do the same kind of things that Abraham did.

40I have told you the true message that I have heard from God. But you want to kill me. Abraham did not do anything like that!

41You do the same things that your own father does.’ They said to Jesus, ‘God himself is our only Father, and we are his proper sons!’

42Jesus said to them, ‘If God was your Father, you would love me. I came from God and now I am here with you. I did not come on my own behalf, but God sent me.

43Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot really accept my message.

44You belong to your father, the Devil, and you want to do the things that he wants. From the beginning, he has been someone who murders people. He refuses to accept the truth, because there is nothing true in him. When he tells lies, he is showing what he is really like. He always tells lies. He is the father of all lies.

45As for me, I tell you what is true. And that is why you do not believe me.

46None of you can show that I have done anything wrong. You should believe me, because I am telling you God's true message.

47Someone who belongs to God accepts God's message. But you do not belong to God. That is why you do not accept his message.’