John 8:23-38

23Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not.

24That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I Am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”

25“Who are you?” they demanded. Jesus replied, “The one I have always claimed to be.

26I have much to say about you and much to condemn, but I won’t. For I say only what I have heard from the one who sent me, and he is completely truthful.”

27But they still didn’t understand that he was talking about his Father.

28So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I Am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me.

29And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.”

30Then many who heard him say these things believed in him.

31Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.

32And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

33“But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?”

34Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.

35A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever.

36So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.

37Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because there’s no room in your hearts for my message.

38I am telling you what I saw when I was with my Father. But you are following the advice of your father.”