John 8:31-51

Children of Abraham

31 Jesus said to the Jews who believed in him, " You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teaching.

32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

33 They responded, "We are Abraham's children; we've never been anyone's slaves. How can you say that we will be set free?"

34 Jesus answered, " I assure you that everyone who sins is a slave to sin.

35 A slave isn't a permanent member of the household, but a son is.

36 Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you really will be free.

37 I know that you are Abraham's children, yet you want to kill me because you don't welcome my teaching.

38 I'm telling you what I've seen when I am with the Father, but you are doing what you've heard from your father."

39 They replied, "Our father is Abraham." Jesus responded, " If you were Abraham's children, you would do Abraham's works.

40 Instead, you want to kill me, though I am the one who has spoken the truth I heard from God. Abraham didn't do this.

41 You are doing your father's works." They said, "Our ancestry isn't in question! The only Father we have is God!"

42 Jesus replied, " If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God. Here I am. I haven't come on my own. God sent me.

43 Why don't you understand what I'm saying? It's because you can't really hear my words.

44 Your father is the devil. You are his children, and you want to do what your father wants. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has never stood for the truth, because there's no truth in him. Whenever that liar speaks, he speaks according to his own nature, because he's a liar and the father of liars.

45 Because I speak the truth, you don't believe me.

46 Who among you can show I'm guilty of sin? Since I speak the truth, why don't you believe me?

47 God's children listen to God's words. You don't listen to me because you aren't God's children."

48 The Jewish opposition answered, "We were right to say that you are a Samaritan and have a demon, weren't we?"

49 " I don't have a demon," Jesus replied. " But I honor my Father and you dishonor me.

50 I'm not trying to bring glory to myself. There's one who is seeking to glorify me, and he's the judge.

51 I assure you that whoever keeps my word will never die."