²⁵ “Who are you?” they asked.

“Just what I have been telling you from the beginning,” Jesus replied. ²⁶ “I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is trustworthy,^(A) and what I have heard from him I tell the world.”^(B)

²⁷ They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. ²⁸ So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up^[a] the Son of Man,^(C) then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.^{(D) 29} The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone,^(E) for I always do what pleases him.”^{(F) 30} Even as he spoke, many believed in him.^(G)

Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are

³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching,^(H) you are really my disciples. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”^(I)

³³ They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants^(J) and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”

³⁴ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.^{(K) 35} Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.^{(L) 36} So if the Son sets you free,^(M) you will be free indeed. ³⁷ I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me,^(N) because you have no room for my word. ³⁸ I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence,^(O) and you are doing what you have heard from your father.^[b]”^(P)

³⁹ “Abraham is our father,” they answered.

“If you were Abraham’s children,”^(Q) said Jesus, “then you would^[c] do what Abraham did. ⁴⁰ As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me,^(R) a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God.^(S) Abraham did not do such things. ⁴¹ You are doing the works of your own father.”^(T)

“We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.”^(U)

⁴² Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me,^(V) for I have come here from God.^(W) I have not come on my own;^(X) God sent me.^(Y)