John 8:54-59 - Lesson #93

The most important question we will ever face is, Who is Jesus
Christ? Our answer to this question can affect the way we live for
the rest of our life; but more importantly, our answer will determine
our eternity.

A group of Jews were questioning Jesus about some of His bold
claims. He claimed a higher authority than anything the Jews had
ever known. He claimed to have the authority to grant freedom; "If
the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36). And
He even claimed to have the authority to grant life; if anyone keeps
My word he shall never see death" (John 8:51). The Jews then asked
the all important question, "Who do You make Yourself out to be?" (John 8:53).

John 8:54-59
"Jesus answered, 'If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My
Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. Yet you
have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, "I do not know
Him," I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His
word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and
was glad.' Then the Jews said to Him, 'You are not yet fifty years
old, and have You seen Abraham?' Jesus said to them, 'Most assuredly,
I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.' Then they took up stones to
throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going
through the midst of them, and so passed by."

The claims Jesus made about Himself would only be mere words if they
were made by His own authority. But His claims were made valid
through a uniquely personal relationship with the Father. He claimed
a divine authority which had been established before the beginning of
time and seen by Abraham. When Abraham was taking Isaac up the
mountain he saw the day when "God will provide for Himself the lamb
for a burnt offering" (Genesis 22:8). He knew the day would come
when, "In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed"
(Genesis 22:18). Abraham believed the promises of God but could only
see them from afar off (Hebrews 11:13). Though Abraham did not know
the fullness of Jesus, he rejoiced in His appearing.

The Jews dismissed His claim by comparing His age to the more than
two thousand years since Abraham. Jesus responded with a clear
statement of identity, "I AM." He has always existed in the present,
"I, the Lord, am the first; and with the last I am He" (Isaiah
41:4). But Jesus was also claiming the title reserved only for God;
"Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to
you'" (Exodus 3:14). The Jews understood His claim as blasphemy and
sought to stone Him according to their law (Leviticus 24:16).

His claims are clear. He claimed to be more than a man, more than a
prophet. He claimed a unique Sonship with authority over sin and
death. And finally He claimed to be I AM. The Jews understood His
claims and rejected. Now we are called to answer the question Jesus
first asked of Peter: "Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew
16:15). Let's answer by believing His claims, living by His
authority, and rejoicing to see His day.

Have a Great Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

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Scripture references: The New King James Version.
Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission.

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