John 8:47-59
8:47 The one who belongs to
God listens and responds
to God’s words. You don’t listen and respond,
because you don’t belong to God.”
8:48 The Judeans replied, “Aren’t we correct in saying that you are a Samaritan and are possessed by a demon?”
8:49 Jesus answered, “I am not possessed by a demon, but I honor my Father – and yet you dishonor me.
8:50 I am not trying to get praise for myself. There is one who demands it, and he also judges.
8:51 I tell you the solemn truth, if anyone obeys my teaching, he will never see death.”
8:52 Then the Judeans responded, “Now we know you’re possessed by a demon! Both Abraham and the prophets died, and yet you say, ‘If anyone obeys my teaching, he will never experience death.’
8:53 You aren’t greater than our father Abraham who died, are you? And the prophets died too! Who do you claim to be?”
8:54 Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory is worthless. The one who glorifies me is my Father, about whom you people say, ‘He is our God.’
8:55 Yet you do not know him, but I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I obey his teaching.
8:56 Your father Abraham was overjoyed to see my day, and he saw it and was glad.”
8:57 Then the Judeans replied, “You are not yet fifty years old! Have you seen Abraham?”
8:58 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the solemn truth, before Abraham came into existence, I am!”
8:59 Then they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out from the temple area.