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John 8:58 - JESUS IS GOD.John 8:58 (NIV) "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"John 8:58 (NLT) Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!" John 8:58 (MSG) "Believe me," said Jesus, "I am who I am long before Abraham was anything." WORD STUDY I AM! A solemnly emphatic declaration echoing God's great affirmations in Ex 3:14 (see Jn 8:24, 28; see also notes on Ex 3:12-15 and article, p. 106). It also recalls the "I am he" statements in Isaiah (41:4; 43:10, 13, 25; 46:4; 47:8, 10; 48:12; 51:12). Jesus did not say "I was" but "I am," expressing the eternity of his being and his oneness with the Father (see 1:1). With this climactic statement Jesus concludes his speech that began with the related claim, "I am the light of the world" (v. 12; see note there). [NIV SB 2020] If there had been any uncertainty about Jesus' identity in other passages where he said, "I AM" (e.g., 6:35; 9:5; 11:25), there was no confusion here because Jesus is claiming to be the one who was alive before Abraham was, that is, more than 2,000 years earlier. Jesus does not simply say, "Before Abraham was, I was," which would simply mean that he is more than 2,000 years old. Rather, he uses the present tense "I am" in speaking of existence more than 2,000 years earlier, thus claiming a kind of transcendence over time that could only be true of God. The words "I am" in Greek use the same expression (Ego eimi) found in the Septuagint in the first half of God's self-identification in Ex. 3:14, "I AM WHO I AM." Jesus is thus claiming not only to be eternal but also to be the God who appeared to Moses at the burning bush. His Jewish opponents understood his meaning immediately and they "picked up stones" to stone him to death for blasphemy (see John 8:59). See notes on 6:20; 8:24. [ESV SB 2008] INTRODUCTION This is one of the most powerful statements uttered by Jesus. When he said that he existed before Abraham was born, he was undeniably proclaiming his divinity. Not only did Jesus say that he existed before Abraham, but he also applied God's holy name to himself ("I AM"; Exodus 3:14). This claim demands a response. It cannot be ignored. The Jewish leaders tried to stone Jesus for blasphemy because he claimed equality with God. But Jesus is God. How have you responded to Jesus? [Life Application SB 2019] COMMENTARY PEARL Jesus Is God In Exodus 3:14, God reveals Himself to Moses at the burning bush, declaring, "I AM WHO I AM." Thousands of years later, when Jesus was teaching in Jerusalem, He used the exact same language, professing to be the I AM. This claim stopped everyone in their tracks. The Jewish people were familiar with the story of Moses and other Old Testament teachings, and they understood the magnitude of what Jesus was asserting - that He was God incarnate, the One they had been waiting for. Jesus was declaring Himself as the Messiah who would save the world. Jesus claiming to be God is without a doubt the boldest statement ever made or recorded. No one in their right mind would say this, unless it was true. See, Jesus isn't just a good teacher or a helpful friend. He did not come to give you tips for living a good life. He is the King who came to save your soul, the one and only Creator and Sustainer of the universe. You are invited to join Him, but only if you submit to His authority in all areas of your life. Dear Jesus, my heart and mind shout with conviction that You are God and You are good. I submit to Your lordship today. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY John 6:35 - The First I AM - Jesus the Bread of Life! Are You 'Eating'? https://www.abible.com/devotions/2013/20130512-2145.html John 8:12 - The Second I AM; Jesus the Light of the World! https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250131-1355.html John 10:7-9 - The Third I AM; Jesus is The Door of Salvation. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20231015-1105.html John 10:11 - The Fourth I AM; Jesus is The Good Shepherd. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2013/20130602-2225.html John 11:25 - The Fifth I AM; Jesus is The Resurrection and The Life. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2013/20130618-1800.html John 14:6 - The 6th I AM Statement of Jesus; The Way-maker! http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210718-1038.html John 15:5 - The 7th I AM Statement of Jesus; I AM the Vine! https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200920-1056.html Exodus 3:14, 15 - THE NAME OF GOD. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211108-0857.html John 1:1 - Jesus Is God. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250130-1647.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |