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)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. John 8:28 The Greek for lifted up also means exalted.
  2. John 8:38 Or presence. Therefore do what you have heard from the Father.
  3. John 8:39 Some early manuscripts “If you are Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then

Bible Gateway Recommends