John 8:46-59

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.’

48The Jews answered him, ‘What we say about you is right! You are from Samaria and you have a demon in you!’

49Jesus replied, ‘There is no demon in me. I want people to know how great my Father is. But you want people to think bad things about me.

50I myself do not want people to praise me. But there is someone who wants people to praise me. He is the one who decides if I am right.

51I tell you this: Anyone who obeys my words will never die.’

52The Jews said, ‘Now we know that a demon lives in you! Abraham and all the prophets died. But you say, “Anyone who obeys my words will never know death!”

53You cannot be greater than our father Abraham, and he died! You cannot be greater than the prophets, and they all died! Who do you think that you are?’

54Jesus replied, ‘If I myself wanted people to praise me, that would be worth nothing. But it is my Father who wants that. And you say that he is your God.

55You have never known him, but I know him. I might say, “I do not know him.” But then I would be telling a lie. So I would be like you. But I do know him, and I obey his words.

56Your ancestor Abraham knew that I would come at some time. He was happy to know that he would see that time. He did see that time, and he was very happy.’

57The Jews said, ‘You are not 50 years old yet. But you say that you have seen Abraham!’

58Jesus said, ‘I tell you this: Before Abraham was even born, “I am”.’

59Then they picked up stones. They wanted to throw them at him and kill him. But Jesus hid himself from them. He went away from the temple.