Read John 8:48-59. Circle the words that stand out to you. What is the Lord saying to you?
48 The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?”
49 “I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. 50 I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51 Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”
52 At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”
54 Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”
57 “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!”
58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” 59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
Digging Deeper
In a small booklet written by Josh McDowell, “Liar, Lunatic, or Lord…” poses a great question for many people. As one reads John 8, the questions asked by the people and the Pharisees become paramount. That question is this, “Who do you think you are?”
Jesus’ words were shocking to the Jews. “Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.” 57 “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!” 58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”
The Jews didn’t expect that answer from Jesus. They expected Him to say, “Of course, I haven’t seen Abraham. I wasn’t born yet!” Jesus said, “before Abraham was born, I am.” Jesus states that Abraham was looking forward to seeing Him and he saw it. Did you get that! How did Abraham see Him when he died?
Jesus stated earlier that the person who believes in Him will never die. The grave is not the final resting stop. The body is laid to rest on earth, but the soul and spirit lives on and one day our bodies will be raised anew. Abraham saw Him and rejoiced. Was Jesus referring to what is now called the “pre-incarnated” Christ that Abraham saw on earth while physically alive or did Abraham see something of the glory of Christ in heaven?
Jesus said, “I AM.” The One who was there before the Universe and the Earth. He was with the Father from eternity, but now He has descended from heaven and condescended as a man. Jesus says that He is returning to where He came from, that is before Abraham was born.
We’re left wondering to ourselves, “Is Jesus lying, a lunatic, or is He really Lord of heaven and earth?” Who do you believe Jesus is? Your answer will determine your life’s course on Earth and in Heaven.
-Kingston