John 8:39-59 - The Priority Of Jesus Over Abraham

39 In answer they said to him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus said to them, If you were Abraham's children you would do what Abraham did. 40 But now you have a desire to put me to death, a man who has said to you what is true, as I had it from God: Abraham did not do that. 41 You are doing the works of your father. They said to him, We are true sons of Abraham; we have one Father, who is God.

42 Jesus said to them, If God was your Father you would have love for me, because it was from God I came and am here. I did not come of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why are my words not clear to you? It is because your ears are shut to my teaching. 44 You are the children of your father the Evil One and it is your pleasure to do his desires. From the first he was a taker of life; and he did not go in the true way because there is no true thing in him. When he says what is false, it is natural to him, for he is false and the father of what is false. 45 But because I say what is true, you have no belief in me. 46 Which of you is able truly to say that I am a sinner? If I say what is true, why have you no belief in me? 47 He who is a child of God gives ear to the words of God: your ears are not open to them because you are not from God.

48 The Jews said to him in answer, Are we not right in saying that you are of Samaria and have an evil spirit?

49 And this was the answer of Jesus: I have not an evil spirit; but I give honour to my Father and you do not give honour to me. 50 I, however, am not in search of glory for myself: there is One who is searching for it and he is judge. 51 Truly I say to you, If a man keeps my word he will never see death.

52 The Jews said to him, Now we are certain that you have an evil spirit. Abraham is dead, and the prophets are dead; and you say, If a man keeps my word he will never see death. 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? and the prophets are dead: who do you say that you are?

54 Jesus said in answer, If I take glory for myself, my glory is nothing: it is my Father who gives me glory, of whom you say that he is your God. 55 You have no knowledge of him, but I have knowledge of him; and if I said I have no knowledge of him I would be talking falsely like you: but I have full knowledge of him, and I keep his word. 56 Your father Abraham was full of joy at the hope of seeing my day: he saw it and was glad.

57 Then the Jews said to him, You are not fifty years old; have you seen Abraham?

58 Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, Before Abraham came into being, I am.

59 So they took up stones to send at him: but Jesus got secretly out of their way and went out of the Temple.


Basic English, produced by Mr C. K. Ogden of the Orthological Institute - public domain