John 8:48-59 - Jesus And Abraham
48 "Are we not right," answered the Jews, "in saying that you are a Samaritan and are possessed by a demon?"
49 "I am not possessed by a demon," replied Jesus. "On the contrary I honour my Father, and you dishonour me. 50 I, however, am not aiming at glory for myself: there is One who aims at glory for me--and who judges. 51 In most solemn truth I tell you that if any one shall have obeyed my teaching he shall in no case ever see death."
52 "Now," exclaimed the Jews, "we know that you are possessed by a demon. Abraham died, and so did the Prophets, and yet *you* say, 'If any one shall have obeyed my teaching, he shall in no case ever taste death.' 53 Are you really greater than our forefather Abraham? For he died. And the prophets died. Who do you make yourself out to be?"
54 "Were I to glorify myself," answered Jesus, "I should have no real glory. There is One who glorifies me--namely my Father, who you say is your God. 55 You do not know Him, but I know Him perfectly; and were I to deny my knowledge of Him, I should resemble you, and be a liar. On the contrary I do know Him, and I obey His commands. 56 Abraham your forefather exulted in the hope of seeing my day: and he saw it, and was glad."
57 "You are not yet fifty years old," cried the Jews, "and have you seen Abraham?"
58 "In most solemn truth," answered Jesus, "I tell you that before Abraham came into existence, I am."
59 Thereupon they took up stones with which to stone Him, but He hid Himself and went away out of the Temple.