John 8:39-59 - The Priority Of Jesus Over Abraham
39 "Our father is Abraham," they said. "If you were Abraham's children," replied Jesus, "it is Abraham's deeds that you would be doing. 40 But, in fact, you are longing to kill me, a man who has spoken to you the truth which I have heard from God. Abraham did not do that. 41 You are doing the deeds of your father." "We," they replied, "are not illegitimate children. We have one Father, namely God."
42 "If God were your Father," said Jesus, "you would love me; for it is from God that I came and I am now here. I have not come of myself, but *He* sent me. 43 How is it you do not understand me when I speak? It is because you cannot bear to listen to my words. 44 The father whose sons you are is the Devil; and you desire to do what gives him pleasure. *He* was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand firm in the truth--for there is no truth in him. Whenever he utters his lie, he utters it out of his own store; for he is a liar, and the father of lies. 45 But because I speak the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which of *you* convicts me of sin? If I speak the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 He who is a child of God listens to God's words. You do not listen to them: and why? It is because you are not God's children."
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.