25. "Who are you?" they asked. Jesus replied, "I’m exactly who I have claimed to be from the beginning.
26. I have many things to say in judgment concerning you. The one who sent me is true, and what I have heard from him I tell the world."
27. They didn’t know he was speaking about his Father.
28. So Jesus said to them, "When the Human One is lifted up, then you will know that I Am. Then you will know that I do nothing on my own, but I say just what the Father has taught me.
29. He who sent me is with me. He doesn’t leave me by myself, because I always do what makes him happy."
30. While Jesus was saying these things, many people came to believe in him.
31. Jesus said to the Jews who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teaching.
32. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
33. They responded, "We are Abraham’s children; we’ve never been anyone’s slaves. How can you say that we will be set free?"
34. Jesus answered, "I assure you that everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
35. A slave isn’t a permanent member of the household, but a son is.
36. Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you really will be free.
37. I know that you are Abraham’s children, yet you want to kill me because you don’t welcome my teaching.
38. I’m telling you what I’ve seen when I am with the Father, but you are doing what you’ve heard from your father."
39. They replied, "Our father is Abraham." Jesus responded, "If you were Abraham’s children, you would do Abraham’s works.
40. Instead, you want to kill me, though I am the one who has spoken the truth I heard from God. Abraham didn’t do this.
41. You are doing your father’s works." They said, "Our ancestry isn’t in question! The only Father we have is God!"
42. Jesus replied, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God. Here I am. I haven’t come on my own. God sent me.
43. Why don’t you understand what I’m saying? It’s because you can’t really hear my words.
44. Your father is the devil. You are his children, and you want to do what your father wants. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has never stood for the truth, because there’s no truth in him. Whenever that liar speaks, he speaks according to his own nature, because he’s a liar and the father of liars.