Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” – John 8:58 (NASB)
Jesus, never shy from provoking the religious establishment does so with this bold statement. He had a purpose and that was to convince all who followed Him that He was who He said He was, the Son of God and God Himself. Jesus kept telling the ‘Jews’ (Jewish religious leaders), that He knew the Father personally and they had an authentic relationship. This was something the Jews did not have and never would. This encounter ended up putting Jesus’ life in peril. Never understanding Jesus they challenged His words. He says to the Jews that their father Abraham had rejoiced and was glad when he saw His day. The Jews challenged how He can be telling the truth. Less than fifty years old how could Abraham have seen Him. Christ’s reply is our verse today. It is a bold statement claiming to be the one named I AM which is the authentic name God claimed for Himself – YHWH in Hebrew. I AM means ‘God Is’ and has always been from forever without beginning without end. Jesus tells them He has been since before Abraham was born. They picked up stones to kill Jesus but he hid Himself from them.
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Esengo Mingi 