John 8:39-59 - The Priority Of Jesus Over Abraham
39 they answered him, Abraham is our father. if you were Abraham's children, said Jesus, you would act like Abraham. 40 but now ye seek to kill me, the man who has told you the truth, such as I have learnt it of God: Abraham did not act thus. 41 your actions are like your father. at this they reply'd, we are no bastards; we have but one father, even God.
42 Jesus said to them, if God were your father, ye would love me: for I was commissioned by God to come; I did not come of my self, but he sent me. 43 why do not you understand my language? unless because ye cannot bear my doctrine? 44 you, who have the devil for your father, will execute the designs of your father: he was a murderer from the beginning, and deserted the truth, since he has no love for the truth: when he lyes, he speaks like himself: for he is a lyar, and the father of a lyar. 45 but as to me, because I tell you the truth, you do not believe me. 46 which of you can convict me of sin? if then I say the truth, why don't you believe me? 47 he that is of God, does therefore observe what God says: which you do not observe, because ye are not of God.
48 The Jews answered, and said to him, are we not in the right to say, that you are a Samaritan, and are really mad?
49 Jesus answered, I am not mad; but I honour my father, and you dishonour me. 50 I do not consult my own glory: there is one that will consult that, and judge accordingly. 51 verily, verily, I say unto you, whoever observes my doctrine, shall never die.
52 upon this said the Jews to him, now we plainly perceive you are mad. Abraham is dead, and the prophets too; and yet you say, if a man observes your doctrine, he shall never die. 53 are you greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? the prophets likewise are dead: pray, what do you then pretend to be?
54 Jesus answered, if I honour'd my self, my honour would be vain: it is my father that honoureth me, of whom ye say, that he is your God. 55 yet ye have not known him, but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I should be a lyar like you: but I know him, and observe his commands. 56 your father Abraham long'd to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
57 then said the Jews to him, you are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?
58 Jesus said to them, verily, verily I say unto you, before Abraham was I AM.
59 then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus was conceal'd by the crowd which he pass'd thro', and so got out of the temple.