Jesus and Abraham (John 8:48-59)
Scripture: John 8:48-59 (CSB)
"The Jews responded to him, 'Aren’t we right in saying that you’re a Samaritan and have a demon?'
'I do not have a demon,' Jesus answered. 'On the contrary, I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I do not seek my own glory; there is one who seeks it and judges. Truly I tell you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.'
Then the Jews said, 'Now we know you have a demon. Abraham died and so did the prophets. You say, "If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death." Are you greater than our father Abraham who died? And the prophets died. Who do you claim to be?'
'If I glorify myself,' Jesus answered, 'my glory is nothing. My Father—about whom you say, "He is our God"—he is the one who glorifies me. You do not know him, but I know him. If I were to say I don’t know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.'
The Jews replied, 'You aren’t fifty years old yet, and you’ve seen Abraham?'
Jesus said to them, 'Truly I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.'
So they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple."
In this intense exchange between Jesus and the Jewish leaders, we see a deepening conflict over Jesus’ identity. The Jewish leaders insult Him, accusing Him of being a Samaritan and demon-possessed. But Jesus remains focused on His mission, pointing to His relationship with the Father. He makes the bold claim that if anyone keeps His word, they will never see death—a statement that confounds His listeners, who immediately reference Abraham and the prophets who died long ago.
The question the leaders ask—“Who do you claim to be?”—is crucial. Jesus responds by speaking of His glory, which comes from the Father, and declares that Abraham, their patriarch, rejoiced in the coming of Jesus' day. This is not just a reference to Abraham’s faith in God’s promises, but a direct claim of Jesus’ eternal existence.
The climax of the conversation is when Jesus says, “Before Abraham was, I am.” This is a clear and deliberate reference to God’s name in Exodus 3:14, when God reveals Himself to Moses as “I AM.” With this statement, Jesus claims divinity, affirming that He is not just a prophet or teacher but God Himself. The Jewish leaders understand the gravity of His words and attempt to stone Him for what they consider blasphemy.
This passage confronts us with the radical truth of Jesus’ identity as the eternal Son of God. It challenges us to respond to Him not just as a wise teacher but as the Lord of all.
Key Lessons for Our Daily Lives:
Jesus’ Divinity: Jesus makes a bold and undeniable claim to be God by saying, “Before Abraham was, I am.” This is a reminder that Jesus is not just a historical figure or moral teacher—He is the eternal Son of God, deserving of our worship and full devotion. How do you view Jesus? Do you truly recognize Him as Lord over your life?
The Promise of Eternal Life: Jesus promises that those who keep His word will never see death. This refers to eternal life—freedom from spiritual death through faith in Him. Have you embraced this promise in your own life? Reflect on the hope we have in Christ, knowing that death has no hold over those who belong to Him.
The Glory of God: Jesus doesn’t seek to glorify Himself; instead, He honors the Father, and the Father glorifies Him. As followers of Christ, our purpose should also be to bring glory to God, not to seek recognition for ourselves. Are there areas in your life where you’ve been seeking your own glory rather than God’s? Ask God to help you live for His glory alone.
Faith Like Abraham: Jesus says that Abraham rejoiced to see His day. Abraham’s faith was forward-looking, trusting in God’s promises of salvation. How is your faith today? Are you trusting in God’s promises, even when you don’t see them fulfilled yet? Let Abraham’s faith inspire you to trust God’s plan for your life.
This passage challenges us to consider who we believe Jesus to be. He is more than a teacher—He is the eternal “I AM.” Let’s live in light of this truth, honoring Him as Lord and Savior in every area of our lives.
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus, Your eternal Son, to reveal who You are and offer us the promise of eternal life. Help us to live in awe of His divinity, recognizing Him as Lord over every part of our lives. Strengthen our faith to trust in Your promises, just as Abraham did. May we seek to bring glory to You in all that we do, and may we rest in the assurance that through Jesus, we have victory over death. In Jesus’ name, Amen.