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.