Jesus said to them,
“If God really was your Father then you would love me, for I came from God. I have not come on my own. God sent me.
Why don’t you understand the words that I am saying? It is because you cannot hear my word.
You are from your father, the devil, and the lusts of your father are what it is your will to do.
He was a murderer from the beginning, and never did what was true because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, it is his nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Because I tell you the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you can convict me of sin?
I tell you the truth. Why is it that you do not believe me? The person who is of God hears the words of God.
The reason you cannot hear these words is because you are not of God.”
The Jews of Jerusalem answered by saying,
“Aren’t we right about you when we say that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?”
Jesus answered,
“I do not have a demon. I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. I am not seeking my own glory.
I am going to tell you an important truth, so you need to pay attention. If a man cherishes and obeys my words, he will never see death.”
The Jews said to Jesus,
“Now we know you have a demon. Abraham is dead and so are all the prophets. You say that if a man keeps your word, he will never taste death.
Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died, and the prophets who died? Who are you making yourself out to be?”
Jesus answered,
“If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, the same one who you say is your God. You do not know him, but I do.
If I said I did not know him, I would be a liar like you are liars. But I know him and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it by faith and was glad.”
The Jews said to him,
“You are not even 50 years old, and you have seen Abraham?”
Jesus said to them,
“I am going to tell you a truth that is very important. Pay attention! Before Abraham was born, I am. The Jews took up stones and threw them at Jesus, but Jesus hid himself from them and went out of the temple.”
