What does John 8:54 mean?
Jesus has already pointed out that the words and works He does are under the commands of God the Father (John 8:26). He is not seeking attention or self-promotion and has always given credit to God (John 8:50). Since He is supported by evidence from God, such as miracles (John 5:36) and Scripture (John 5:39–40), Jesus' words ought to be accepted. Instead, those who seek to have Jesus killed (John 5:18; 7:1) are being stubborn. They keep misinterpreting Jesus' words because they do not want to know the truth (John 7:17; 8:43).Prior to this, Jesus has pointed out that His critics act more like the Devil than they do like Abraham (John 8:44). They lie, they use violence, and they reject God by rejecting Christ (John 6:29). Here, Jesus will begin to make this condemnation even more direct, literal, and pointed. This begins with Jesus confronting their claims to follow God. As pointed out before, those who truly follow God are meant to listen to His message (John 6:37). Those who reject God's Word cannot claim to be part of His family (John 8:37–38) and are damned to die for their sins (John 8:21).
As continued in the next verse, Jesus will directly call this claim—that Jerusalem's religious leaders follow God—a lie. These men, who hypocritically protect their own power instead of following the truth, do not know God.