John 8:31-58

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on John 8:31-58

31So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples.
32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
33“We are Abraham’s descendants,” they answered. “We have never been slaves to anyone. How can You say we will be set free?”
34Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
35A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son belongs to it forever.
36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
37I know you are Abraham’s descendants, but you are trying to kill Me because My word has no place within you.
38I speak of what I have seen in the presence of the Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.”
39“Abraham is our father,” they replied. “If you were children of Abraham,” said Jesus, “you would do the works of Abraham.
40But now you are trying to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing.
41You are doing the works of your father.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they declared. “Our only Father is God Himself.”
42Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on My own, but He sent Me.
43Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable to accept My message.
44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.
45But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me!
46Which of you can prove Me guilty of sin? If I speak the truth, why do you not believe Me?
47Whoever belongs to God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”
48The Jews answered Him, “Are we not right to say that You are a Samaritan and You have a demon?”
49“I do not have a demon,” Jesus replied, “but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me.
50I do not seek My own glory. There is One who seeks it, and He is the Judge.
51Truly, truly, I tell you, if anyone keeps My word, he will never see death.”
52“Now we know that You have a demon!” declared the Jews. “Abraham died, and so did the prophets, yet You say that anyone who keeps Your word will never taste death.
53Are You greater than our father Abraham? He died, as did the prophets. Who do You claim to be?”
54Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory means nothing. The One who glorifies Me is My Father, of whom you say ‘He is our God.’
55You do not know Him, but I know Him. If I said I did not know Him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know Him, and I keep His word.
56Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.”
57Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and You have seen Abraham?”
58“Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am!”
— John 8:31-58

Related Resources from Heartlight

Before Abraham
Illustration of John 8:56-59 NLT

Illustration of John 8:56-59 NLT -- [Jesus said,] "Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad." The people said, "You aren't even fifty years old. How can you say you have seen Abraham?" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!" At that point they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden from them and left the Temple.

"If you hold to my teaching, you...
Illustration of John 8:31-32

Illustration of John 8:31-32 -- "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

God’s Truth Will Set You Free
Illustration of John 8:31-32 NLT

Illustration of John 8:31-32 NLT -- Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Jesus said, "If you hold to my...
Illustration of John 8:31-32

Illustration of John 8:31-32 -- Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Set Free
Illustration of John 8:31-32

Inspirational illustration of John 8:31-32 -- "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

The Slave Trade
Illustration of John 8:33-34 NLT

Illustration of John 8:33-34 NLT -- "But we are descendants of Abraham," [the Jews] said. "We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, 'You will be set free'?" Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin."

The Proof Is in the Doing
Illustration of John 8:30-32 NLT

Illustration of John 8:30-32 NLT -- Then many who heard [Jesus] say these things believed in him. Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Never Die!
Illustration of John 8:51 NLT

Illustration of John 8:51 NLT -- (Jesus said,) "I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!"

Cross References for John 8:31-58

Cross References Provided by Open Bible

The Berean Standard Bible

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) is a modern, clear, and faithful translation based on the best available Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Ideal for reading, study, and sharing, it entered the public domain in 2023. For more information, visit berean.bible.