John 8:39-59 - The Priority Of Jesus Over Abraham
39 They answered Him, "Our father is Abraham." Jesus said to them, "If you are Abraham's children, you must be practicing what Abraham did. 40 But right now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that He has learned from God. Abraham never did that. 41 You are practicing what your real father does." They said to Him, "We are not illegitimate children; we have one Father, even God."
42 Then Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. No, indeed, I have not come on my own authority, but He has sent me. 43 Why is it that you misunderstand what I say? It is because you cannot listen to what I teach. 44 You sprang from the devil, your real father, and you want to practice your father's wishes. He was a murderer from the very start, and he does not stand by the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks out of his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell you the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Who of you can prove me guilty of sin? But if I do tell you the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is sprung from God listens to what God says. This is why you do not listen to me: you are not sprung from God."
48 Then the Jews answered Him, "Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and are under the power of a demon?"
49 Jesus answered: "I am not under the power of a demon; on the other hand, I am honoring my Father, but you are dishonoring me. 50 However, I am not seeking honor for myself; there is One who is seeking it for me, and He is judge. 51 I most solemnly say to you, if anyone follows my teaching, he will never experience death."
52 Then the Jews said to Him, "Now we know that you are under the power of a demon. Abraham is dead; the prophets too, and yet you say, 'If anyone follows my teaching, he will never experience death.' 53 You are not greater than our forefather Abraham, are you? He is dead and the prophets are dead. Who do you claim to be?"
54 Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, such glory amounts to nothing. It is the Father who glorifies me; and you claim that He is your God. 55 And yet you have not learned to know Him; but I know Him, and if I say I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you. On the other hand, I do know Him and I do follow His teaching. 56 Your forefather Abraham exulted in the hope of seeing my day. He has seen it and is glad of it."
57 The Jews then said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?"
58 Then Jesus said to them, "I most solemnly say to you, I existed before Abraham was born."
59 At this the Jews took up stones to stone Him, but Jesus made His way out of the temple unperceived.