Read and believe in Jesus

“Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” John 8:58

The Gospel according to John

REVIEW – Jesus told those who “believed in Him” to abide (stay in, seek always) His word, which was the absolute TRUTH. And if they did, they would be set free from bondage/slavery to sin. When the authorities refused to believe they had sin, Jesus told them they were believing the lie of their “father,” the devil, who is the originator of lies and a murderer as well. As today, those who refuse to believe they are sinners and in need of a Savior are believing Satan’s oldest lie and will die in their sin..

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John 8:48-50.

The religious leaders (chief priests and teachers of the Law) did not like Jesus saying that they were “not of God.” Weren’t they chosen for that role? Hadn’t they studied the Words of God (the Law) in minute detail?

“You are a Samaritan” (the worst people they could think of) “and have a demon!” They told Jesus with disdain.

Jesus counteracted, “I don’t have a demon, but I honor my Father. YOU dishonor me.” Jesus is not seeking His own glory, but someone is. He tells them that His Father in heaven DOES seek to glorify the Son. And HE is the true judge. (A warning for sure, but they do not heed it.)

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John 8:51-56.

Then Jesus returns to what He was saying earlier about those true believers who “abide in” His Word. “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps (loves, honors, obeys) my Word, he will never see death.”

But the authorities only guffaw. “NOW we KNOW that You have a demon! Abraham died as did the prophets, yet You say, ‘If anyone keeps my Word, he will never taste death?'” (more laughter) “Are YOU greater than our father Abraham, WHO DIED? And the prophets, who DIED. Who do YOU make yourself out to be?“

(What a loaded question. And they were about to get a loaded answer. They would totally NOT understand.)

Jesus first repeats the truth that God is His Father. He KNOWS God (and they do not). And He KEEPS His Father’s word. (There is not one tiny incident, action, purpose, or word of His Father’s will that Jesus does not fulfill.)

And then the lead-up to “the kicker.” “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.”

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John 8:57-59

(Astonishment and disbelieving laughter) “You are not yet fifty years old, and have YOU SEEN ABRAHAM?”

In a calm voice that they could not turn away from, Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, BEFORE Abraham WAS, I AM.”

Not only was Jesus saying that He existed before Abraham lived, which was true. He was also claiming to BE God. “I AM” in Hebrew (Jehovah or Yahweh) is God’s covenant name to Israel. It means that God (and Jesus) have always existed.

Can you believe the bombshell this was for those uber-pious Jews? This nondescript man from Galilee, standing before them, was claiming to BE God Almighty; He had even dared to speak that name (which orthodox Jews changed in their writings to LORD).

They had questioned Jesus about stoning the woman caught in adultery, but NOW there was no question. As one, the men picked up stones to throw at Jesus, to kill Him, believing Him to be the worst of the worst blasphemer.

But Jesus (who was indeed God) cloaked Himself and left the temple unseen.

Yep, you read that right.