Study Desk

So Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man,^(al) then you will know that I am^(am) He, and that I do nothing on My own.^(an) But just as the Father taught Me, I say these things.

The One who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone,^(ao) because I always do what pleases Him."

As He was saying these things, many believed in Him.

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, ^[i](ap) you really are My disciples.

You will know the truth,^(aq) and the truth will set you free."

"We are descendants^[j] of Abraham,"^(ar) they answered Him, "and we have never been enslaved to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will become free' ?"

Jesus responded, "I assure you: Everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.^(as)

A slave does not remain in the household forever,^(at) but a son does remain forever.^(au)

Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.

I know you are descendants^[k] of Abraham,^(av) but you are trying to kill Me because My word^[l] is not welcome among you.

I speak what I have seen^(aw) in the presence of the Father; ^[m](ax) therefore, you do what you have heard from your father."

"Our father is Abraham!" they replied. "If you were Abraham's children," Jesus told them, "you would do what Abraham did.^(ay)

But now you are trying to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth^(az) that I heard from God. Abraham did not do this!

You're doing what your father does." ^(ba) "We weren't born^(bb) of sexual immorality,"^(bc) they said. "We have one Father—God."^(bd)

Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me,^(be) because I came from God^(bf) and I am here. For I didn't come on My own, but He sent Me.

Why don't you understand what I say? Because you cannot listen to^[n] My word.^(bg)

You are of your father the Devil,^(bh) and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer^(bi) from the beginning^(bj) and has not stood in the truth,^(bk) because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature,^[o] because he is a liar and the father of liars.^[p]

Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.

Who among you can convict Me of sin?^(bl) If I tell the truth, why don't you believe Me?

The one who is from God listens to God's words. This is why you don't listen, because you are not from God."

The Jews responded to Him, "Aren't we right in saying that You're a Samaritan^(bm) and have a demon?"^(bn)

"I do not have a demon," Jesus answered. "On the contrary, I honor My Father and you dishonor Me.

I do not seek My glory;^(bo) the One who seeks it also judges.

I assure you: If anyone keeps My word,^(bp) he will never see death—ever!"

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!'

Are You greater than our father Abraham who died? Even the prophets died. Who do You pretend to be?"^[q]

"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.

You've never known Him, but I know Him. If I were to say I don't know Him,^(bq) I would be a liar like you. But I do know Him,^(br) and I keep His word.

Your father Abraham was overjoyed that he would see My day; he saw it^(bs) and rejoiced."

The Jews replied, "You aren't 50 years old yet, and You've seen Abraham?"^[r]

Jesus said to them, "I assure you: Before Abraham was, I am." ^[s](bt)

At that, they picked up stones^(bu) to throw at Him.^(bv) But Jesus was hidden^[t](bw) and went out of the temple complex.^[u](bx)