John 8:23-38

New International Version

²³ But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.^{(A) 24} I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he,^(B) you will indeed die in your sins.”

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,^(C) and what I have heard from him I tell the world.”^(D)

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,^(E) 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.^{(F) 29} The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone,^(G) for I always do what pleases him.”^{(H) 30} Even as he spoke, many believed in him.^(I)

Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are

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

³³ They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants^(L) 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.^{(M) 35} Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.^{(N) 36} So if the Son sets you free,^(O) you will be free indeed. ³⁷ I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me,^(P) because you have no room for my word. ³⁸ I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence,^(Q) and you are doing what you have heard from your father.^[b]”^(R)