Jesus - The Great I Am
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | May 13, 2024 | John 8:56-59
KEY VERSE:
Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you. Before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58 (NKJV)
MESSAGE:
In John 8:56-59, Jesus reiterated a remarkable claim, responding to their question in John 8:53. Jesus claimed that not only was He greater than Abraham, but Abraham himself also acknowledged this. Jesus declares Himself as the "I AM," asserting His divinity and eternal nature. This passage reveals Jesus' identity as the eternal Son of God and challenges us to recognise His greatness and authority. It echoes God's revelation of Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14, where God declares, "I AM WHO I AM." This statement emphasises Jesus' timeless existence and His equality with God. Jesus' statement "Before Abraham was, I am" highlights His eternal existence. He existed before Abraham and continues to exist eternally, affirming His divinity and preeminence over all creation.
By using the phrase "I AM," Jesus told them He was the eternal God, existing not only during Abraham's time but before that, into eternity past. He claimed to be the great I AM, the same God who spoke to Moses from the burning bush. This is the third time in this chapter that Jesus uses the phrase I AM, and it is a clear divine title belonging to Yahweh alone. His listeners understood this and reacted strongly.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Jesus' statement that He existed before Abraham is bold but true. He didn't just appear when He came to earth; He existed before anything was created. He died for us and left heaven's glory to live among us and show us God's love. How can you respond to Jesus as the "I AM" in your life, acknowledging His divinity, and submitting to His lordship?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the revelation of your Son, Jesus Christ, as the "I AM." Help me to acknowledge His divinity and authority in my life. May I submit to His lordship and recognize His eternal nature. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: I AM
The phrase "I AM" is translated in Greek as "ἐγώ εἰμί" (ego eimi) In John 8:58, Jesus uses the divine "I AM" declaration to assert his preexistence before Abraham, the revered patriarch of the Jewish faith. By claiming to exist before Abraham, Jesus affirms his eternal nature and divine identity. This statement elicits a strong reaction from the Jewish leaders, who understand the significance of Jesus' words and attempt to stone him for blasphemy. The use of the "I AM" declaration by Jesus reiterates several Old Testament passages where God identifies himself using the same phrase, such as Exodus 3:14 and Isaiah 43:10. By appropriating this divine title to himself, Jesus asserts his equality with God and his divine authority. Jesus' declaration of "I AM" emphasizes his eternal existence and divine nature. By claiming the divine name, Jesus affirms his unity with God the Father and his role in the divine plan of salvation. This statement underscores the doctrine of the deity of Christ, affirming that Jesus is the eternal Son of God who shares in the divine essence.
Reflections:
How does recognizing Jesus' declaration of "I AM" impact your understanding of his identity and mission? How does this revelation influence your relationship with Jesus as Lord and Saviour?
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