John 8:30-47

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.”

39“Our father is Abraham!” they declared. “No,” Jesus replied, “for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example.

40Instead, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing.

41No, you are imitating your real father.” They replied, “We aren’t illegitimate children! God himself is our true Father.”

42Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me.

43Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me!

44For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

45So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me!

46Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me?

47Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.”