John 8:32-42

32 Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you."
33 Surprised, they said, "But we're descendants of Abraham. We've never been slaves to anyone. How can you say, 'The truth will free you'?"
34 Jesus said, "I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave.
35 A slave is a transient, who can't come and go at will. The Son, though, has an established position, the run of the house.
36 So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through.
37 I know you are Abraham's descendants. But I also know that you are trying to kill me because my message hasn't yet penetrated your thick skulls.
38 I'm talking about things I have seen while keeping company with the Father, and you just go on doing what you have heard from your father."
39 They were indignant. "Our father is Abraham!"
40 And yet here you are trying to kill me, a man who has spoken to you the truth he got straight from God! Abraham never did that sort of thing.
41 You persist in repeating the works of your father." They said, "We're not bastards. We have a legitimate father: the one and only God."
42 "If God was your father," said Jesus, "you would love me, for I came from God and arrived here. I didn't come on my own. He sent me.

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Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.