John 8:39-59 - The Priority Of Jesus Over Abraham
39 "Our father is Abraham," was their answer. "If you are Abraham's children," replied Jesus, "do what Abraham did. 40 But, as it is, you are seeking to put me to death--a man who has told you the Truth as he heard it from God. Abraham did not act in that way. 41 You are doing what your own father does." "We are not bastards," they said, "we have one Father--God himself."
42 "If God were your Father," Jesus replied, "you would have loved me, for I came out from God, and now am here; and I have not come of myself, but he sent me as his Messenger. 43 How is it that you do not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to listen to my Message. 44 As for you, you are children of your Father the Devil, and you are determined to do what your father loves to do. He was a murderer from the first, and did not stand by the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he does what is natural to him; because he is a liar, and the father of lying. 45 But, as for me, it is because I speak the truth to you that you do not believe me. 46 Which of you can convict me of sin? Why then do not you believe me, if I am speaking truth? 47 He who comes from God listens to God's teaching; the reason why you do not listen is because you do not come from God."
48 "Are not we right, after all," replied the Jews, "in saying that you are a Samaritan, and are possessed by a demon?"
49 "I am not possessed by a demon," Jesus answered, "but I am showing reverence for my Father; and yet you have no reverence for me. 50 Not that I am seeking honor for myself; there is one who is seeking my honor, and he decides. 51 In truth I tell you, if any one lays my Message to heart, he will never really die."
52 "Now we are sure that you are possessed by a demon," the Jews replied. "Abraham died, and so did the Prophets; and yet you say 'If any one lays my Message to heart, he will never know death.' 53 Are you greater than our ancestor Abraham, who died? And the Prophets died too. Whom do you make yourself out to be?"
54 "If I do honor to myself," answered Jesus, "such honor counts for nothing. It is my Father who does me honor--and you say that he is your God; 55 And yet you have not learned to know him; but I know him; and, if I were to say that I do not know him, I should be a liar like you; but I do know him, and I lay his Message to heart. 56 Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; and he did see it, and was glad."
57 "You are not fifty years old yet," the Jews exclaimed, "and have you seen Abraham?"
58 "In truth I tell you," replied Jesus, "before Abraham existed I was."
59 At this they took up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself, and left the Temple Courts.