Read: John 8:48-58
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” (v. 58)
One of the most powerful scenes in the Old Testament is when God appears to Moses in the burning bush and commands him to lead the people out of slavery in Egypt. Moses tries to dodge the job, but God isn’t about to let him off the hook. Finally, Moses asks God whom he should tell the Israelites sent him. God replies “I am who I am.” And then he says, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you’” (Exod. 3:14). In describing himself this way, God is invoking his eternal nature: past, present, and future.
Fast forward to today’s reading. Jesus is teaching a group of Jews skeptical about the freedom that comes with the truth of the gospel message. Instead, the Jews are claiming their righteousness because they are the “offspring of Abraham” (John 8:33). Jesus responds with this: “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58).
Jesus uses this phrase “I am” that would have been known to Jews throughout the generations. In doing so, Jesus is also invoking his eternal nature as well as declaring his divinity. He is saying, “I know God. I am from God. And, I am God.”
With that, allow me a few of my own “I am” statements: I am humbled. I am awed. I am on my knees. Most importantly, I am saved.
As you pray, renew your eternal trust in the Lord with these words: “I am yours.”
About the Author
Lou Bury is the pastor at Downers Grove Community Church in Illinois. He has the pleasure of serving the Lord alongside a congregation committed to being “the hands and feet of Jesus in the community.” He and his wife Judy have two adult children and two granddogs.
