Jesus and Abraham

48 The Jews responded to Him, “Aren’t we right in saying that You’re a Samaritan(A) and have a demon?”(B)

49 “I do not have a demon,” Jesus answered. “On the contrary, I honor My Father and you dishonor Me. 50 I do not seek My glory;(C) the One who seeks it also judges. 51 I assure you: If anyone keeps My word,(D) he will never see death—ever!”

52 Then the Jews said, “Now we know You have a demon. Abraham died and so did the prophets. You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste death—ever!’ 53 Are You greater than our father Abraham who died? Even the prophets died. Who do You pretend to be?”[a]

54 “If I glorify Myself,” Jesus answered, “My glory is nothing. My Father—you say about Him, ‘He is our God’—He is the One who glorifies Me. 55 You’ve never known Him, but I know Him. If I were to say I don’t know Him,(E) I would be a liar like you. But I do know Him,(F) and I keep His word. 56 Your father Abraham was overjoyed that he would see My day; he saw it(G) and rejoiced.”

57 The Jews replied, “You aren’t 50 years old yet, and You’ve seen Abraham?”[b]

58 Jesus said to them, “I assure you: Before Abraham was, I am.”[c](H)

59 At that, they picked up stones(I) to throw at Him.(J) But Jesus was hidden[d](K) and went out of the temple complex.[e](L)

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Footnotes

  1. John 8:53 Lit Who do You make Yourself?
  2. John 8:57 Other mss read and Abraham has seen You?
  3. John 8:58 I AM is the name God gave Himself at the burning bush; Ex 3:13-14; see note at Jn 8:24.
  4. John 8:59 Or Jesus hid Himself
  5. John 8:59 Other mss add and having gone through their midst, He passed by

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