In John 8:30–59, Jesus’ dispute with the Jews comes to its strongest expression that we will see until the day of his crucifixion. Jesus has been publicly testifying that he is the Son of the Father since John 5, with varying degrees of outward success. Here again, there are some who seem to believe in him (John 8:30), but by the end of this passage, those believers will not merely depart from him as apostates (cf. John 6:66), but will pick up stones to murder him (John 8:59). The reason for their intense hatred of Jesus is simple: Jesus, the true light, continues shining an indicting, condemning light on them, even to the point of casting doubt on the one thing they most prized in life: their descent from Abraham. Then, weaving together various strands of biblical typology, theology, and prophecy, Jesus offers a new explanation to support the claims he has put forward so far: You are a slave to whomever you are a son.