Thems Fightin’ Words!

Text: John 8:42-59 (EHV)Jesus replied, “If God were yourFather, you would love me, because I came from God and I am here. Indeed, Ihave not come on my own, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand mymessage? It is because you are not able to listen to my word. 44 You belong toyour father, the Devil, and you want to do your father’s desires. He was amurderer from the beginning and did not remain standing in the truth, becausethere is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he speaks from what is his, becausehe is a liar and the father of lying. 45 But because I tell the truth, you donot believe me. 46 Who of you can convict me ofsin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47 Whoever belongs toGod listens to what God says. The reason you do not listen is that you do notbelong to God.” 48 The Jews responded, “Are we not right in saying that you area Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon. Onthe contrary, I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. 50 I do not seek my ownglory. There is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51 Amen, Amen, I tellyou: If anyone holds on to my word, he will certainly never see death.” 52 Sothe Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and sodid the prophets. Yet you say, ‘If anyone holds on to my word, he willcertainly never taste death.’ 53 You are not greater than our father, Abraham,are you? He died. And the prophets died. Who do you think you are?” 54 Jesusanswered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father whoglorifies me, about whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ 55 Yet you do not reallyknow him, but I do know him. If I said, ‘I do not know him,’ I would be a liarlike you. But I do know him, and I hold on to his word. 56 Your father Abrahamwas glad that he would see my day. He saw it and rejoiced.”57 The Jews replied,“You aren’t even fifty years old, and you have seen Abraham?”58 Jesus said tothem, “Amen, Amen, I tell you: Before Abraham was born, I am.” 59 Then theypicked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden and left the templearea.