John 8, Part 4

Scripture: John 8:31-59

Observation: Jesus tells His new followers that true discipleship comes from continuing in His Word, and that Word will set them free (v.31, 32). The Jewish leaders reject this thought, claiming never having been slaves to anyone, though at that present time they were under Roman rule, and had previously been slaves to the Egyptians, Philistines, Assyrians, Babylonians, etc. Yet they did not consider themselves slaves because they'd never lost their identity as Israelites, children of God. They didn't understand the freedom Jesus was speaking of: freedom from the condemnation of sin. Jesus explains to them that, as slaves to sin, they have no place in God's house; yet Jesus offers freedom and a restored relationship with the Father (v.34-36). The Jews insist that Abraham is their father and they are not illegitimate children (as He is considered to be by them), but Jesus exposes them for who they are: children of the father of lies. They quickly claim their Father to be God Himself. But Jesus tells them they reject Him because they proceed from their father the devil, and cannot hear or understand Him because they are not from God (v.43-47). The Jews are insulted and turn the accusation back at Him (v.48). He tells them they dishonor Him, for He seeks God's glory and God seeks His (v.49, 50). He then tells them that by keeping His word they won't see death (v.51). Since Jesus is the Life (14:6), keeping His Word guarantees life. Instead the Jews think He speaks of physical life and see Him as crazy; after all Abraham and the prophets died, why wouldn't anyone else? Jesus tells them Abraham "rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad." (v.56). The Jews laugh this off, as Jesus is "not yet fifty years old" and claims to have seen Abraham (v.57). Jesus' dramatic answer, "Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was, I am," (v.58) causes an uproar, and they try to stone Him, but Jesus gets away.

Application: Jesus has identified Himself when He says, "before Abraham was, I AM." He could have said "I was" if He were only speaking of His existance in heaven; by saying I AM He is speaking of His identity and true nature. The Jews chose to reject this thought and called Him blasphemous, trying to stone Him. Today many reject Jesus, saying He isn't really God and isn't the only way to heaven. Do I recognize Jesus for who He is and worship Him as the Great I AM? If we do not accept Jesus' word we can never understand what He says (v.43).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, this chapter of the Gospel of John so clearly tells us who You are in Your very words, yet many choose to reject this truth as they did when You were on earth. I believe Your words to be true; You alone are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. My hope, my trust, is in You. I praise and worship You, as my God, my Savior, and my King. In Your Holy Name I pray, Amen.