John 8:39-56

³⁹“Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you really were children of Abraham, you'd do what Abraham did,” Jesus told them.

⁴⁰“But you are trying to kill me now, because I told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham would never have done that.

⁴¹You're doing what your father does.” “Well we are not illegitimate,” they responded. “God alone is our father!”

⁴²Jesus replied, “If God really was your father, you would love me. I came from God and now I am here. The decision to come wasn't mine, but the one who sent me.

⁴³Why can't you understand what I'm saying? It's because you refuse to hear my message!

⁴⁴Your father is the Devil, and you love to follow your father's evil desires. He was a murderer from the beginning. He never stood for the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies he reveals his true character, for he's a liar and the father of lies.

⁴⁵So because I tell you the truth, you don't believe me!

⁴⁶Can any one of you prove that I'm guilty of sin? If I'm telling you the truth, why don't you believe me?

⁴⁷Anyone who belongs to God listens to what God says. The reason you don't listen is because you don't belong to God.”

⁴⁸“Aren't we right to call you a Samaritan who is demon-possessed?” said the Jews.

⁴⁹“No, I don't have a demon,” Jesus replied. “I honor my Father, but you dishonor me.

⁵⁰I'm not here looking to glorify myself. But there is one who does this for me and who judges in my favor.

⁵¹I tell you the truth, anyone who follows my teaching will never die.”

⁵²“Now we know you're demon-possessed,” said the Jews. “Abraham died, and the prophets did too, and you're telling us ‘anyone who follows my teaching will never die’!

⁵³Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and the prophets died. Who do you think you are?”

⁵⁴Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. But it is God himself who glorifies me, the one you claim, ‘He is our God.’

⁵⁵You don't know him, but I know him. If I were to say, ‘I don't know him,’ I'd be a liar, just like you. But I do know him, and I do what he says.

⁵⁶Your father Abraham was delighted as he looked forward to see my coming, and was so happy when he saw it.”