John 8:48–58

Jesus’ Claims About Himself

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

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

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

⁵⁴Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself,^e my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.^{f 55}Though you do not know him,^g I know him.^h If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word.^{i 56}Your father Abraham^j rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it^k 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,^l I am!”^m