The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word,^(A) and the Word was with God,^(B) and the Word was God.^(C)

² He was with God in the beginning.^(A)

¹⁸ No one has ever seen God,^(A) but the one and only Son, who is himself God and^[a](B) is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

Jesus’ Claims About Himself

⁴⁸ The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan^(A) and demon-possessed?”^(B)

⁴⁹ “I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. ⁵⁰ I am not seeking glory for myself;^(C) but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. ⁵¹ Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”^(D)

⁵² At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed!^(E) Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. ⁵³ Are you greater than our father Abraham?^(F) He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”

⁵⁴ Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself,^(G) my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.^{(H) 55} Though you do not know him,^(I) I know him.^(J) If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word.^{(K) 56} Your father Abraham^(L) rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it^(M) and was glad.”

⁵⁷ “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!”

⁵⁸ “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born,^(N) I am!”^{(O) 59} At this, they picked up stones to stone him,^(P) but Jesus hid himself,^(Q) slipping away from the temple grounds.

³⁰ I and the Father are one.”^(A)