Unveiling Controversial Statements in John
John 8:58 presents Jesus making a bold statement that sparks controversy. Explore the context, discussions, and implications of Jesus declaring, "Before Abraham was, I AM." Delve into the significance of this statement and its impact on the narrative in the Gospel of John.
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Presentation Transcript
Before Abraham was I AM I AM John 8:58
Background & Context John is a unique gospel (about 90% exclusive) John focuses on a few events and the discussions Jesus had associated with these. John s purpose is established is John 1:1- 4, 20:30-31 It is sometimes described as a gospel of evidences This will be our focus for the next few months beginning with some of the I AM sayings of Jesus
Background & Context Our text John 8:58 - finds Jesus making a controversial statement So strong that they took up stones to throw at Him. Jesus said, Before Abraham was, I AM . What was so controversial about that? In this lesson we want to examine what this statement is about and make some practical observations to us.
The Context John 8:12-58 in a lengthy discussion, Jesus declares Himself the light of the world (12) He is rejected by the Pharisees and Jews saying He bore witness of Himself. Jesus responded that He was not alone in this God, His Father also bore witness of Him (13-18) HOW did God bear witness? Prophecies, miracles and even directly (cf. John 12:28, etc.)
The Context John 8:12-58 This leads to a discussion about where Jesus is from and who is His Father (19-30). He noted that He is from above and they are not. Furthermore, He declares that they were going to crucify Him (28) Jesus calls for belief in Him (30-32). Truth will make you free
The Context John 8:12-58 Then, His critics declare they are Abraham s seed and have never been in bondage (UNTRUE) Jesus notes that even then they were in bondage to Satan and sin (34-47). This is where Jesus notes they were of their father the devil (44). And they demonstrated that in rejecting Him! Jesus even notes that he who is of God hears His words, but they do not hear!
The Context John 8:12-58 In response, they say Jesus has a demon and is a Samaritan (an ad hominem attack) (48) Jesus answers and again appeals to keeping His word. To do so is to never see death (49-51).
The Context John 8:12-58 They again say He has demon and note that Abraham and the prophets were dead (which was true physically). Apparently, they read into the statement that because Jesus words would lead to eternal life, which Abraham s words did not do, He was claiming to be greater than Abraham (53) (NOTE: Jesus WAS making that claim)
The Context John 8:12-58 To the charge against Jesus, He responded that the Father honored Him for what He was doing, keeping the Father s word. To deny that would make Him a liar. Then in 56 we read, Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad. Somehow, this implied that Jesus had conversed with Abraham (which He did, possibly directly cf. Genesis 22:11-12, 17:1, 18:1, 17ff, etc.)
The Context John 8:12-58 They again replied against Jesus that he was not even 50 years old, and have you seen Abraham? This leads to our text in vs. 58, Most assuredly, I say to you, Before Abraham was, I AM. This was NOT the first time in this conversation Jesus had made this claim notice vs. 24 & 28. Both use the expression, I am They took up stones to kill Him. But Jesus hid Himself and left vs. 59.
I AM What does it mean? Clearly, Jesus is claiming deity. And understand that under the LOM, blasphemy against God was a capital offense. His audience knew what He was implying. HOWEVER, they were unwilling to investigate and consider. Jesus gave ample evidence to consider.
I AM What does it mean? Why was this statement about God? Consider Exodus 3:14 Moses at the burning bush. This is what Moses was to tell Pharaoh when he first appeared before him to let Israel go. Moses had fled Egypt some 40 years earlier and now he is to return. Moses asks, Who shall I say sent me? What is His name? God replied, I AM WHO I AM I AM has sent you.
I AM What does it mean? Why was this statement about God? The expression implies eternal existence. As if to say, I always have been, AM now, and will always be. That is what Jesus was implying when He made that statement. And they knew what that meant!
I AM What does it mean? Consider what it meant for Jesus to claim to be God! If He was God, then He was to be obeyed, served and worshipped. In this statement Jesus was NOT saying He was created as another God. Philippians 2:5-7, John 1:1-2, 14, 20:30-31. I am indicates eternal see Isaiah 43:10-11 It also manifests His former glory John 17:5
I AM What does it mean? Consider what it meant for Jesus to claim to be God! This also serves as a reminder to us of what Jesus really did. John 3:16, Philippians 2:5-8, 1 Timothy 2:5-6 He was fully God and gave that up out of love for us.
I AM What does it mean? Consider what it meant for Jesus to claim to be God! He is all powerful Acts 2:22 a man attested by miracles, wonders and signs He is all knowing John 2:25 (Matthew 9:4) He is all understanding He knew His purpose, motives of men, how to answer every charge Jesus PROVED Himself to be God!
I AM What does it mean? Consider what it meant for Jesus to claim to be God! As God, He is our example 1 Peter 2:21ff, 1 Corinthians 11:1, 1 John 2:6
Why I Believe Jesus is God Why should I believe that Jesus is God? Let me make the case for why I should believe this! 1) Because of the integrity of the New Testament. We have established in our evidences class why we should accept the Bible its inerrancy, various geographical, scientific and historical accuracies. If you appreciate the Bible, you KNOW Jesus is its central figure - Hebrews 1:1- 2, Acts 4:12
Why I Believe Jesus is God Why should I believe that Jesus is God? Let me make the case for why I should believe this! 2) Because of the claims Jesus made He claimed to be God (as in our text) He called Himself The Son of God and the Son of Man . But I say to you His authority Matthew 7:28-29 John 7:46, No one ever spoke like Him
Why I Believe Jesus is God Why should I believe that Jesus is God? Let me make the case for why I should believe this! 3) He revealed the Father to us. Jesus lived in such a way to introduce our God and Creator. John 14:1, 8-9, He who has seen Me has seen the Father I and My Father are one John 10:30, 17:21
Why I Believe Jesus is God Why should I believe that Jesus is God? Let me make the case for why I should believe this! 4) Because of the things He did exclusive to deity - He accepted worship Matthew 14:33, John 9:38 - He forgave sins Mark 2:5-7, Luke 7:47-48 - He granted eternal life 1 John 5:11,12, John 10:28 (6:47, 5:24, etc.)
Why I Believe Jesus is God Why should I believe that Jesus is God? Let me make the case for why I should believe this! 5) Because He backed up His claims - Numerous prophecies about Him Luke 24:44, 25-27, etc. - He even prophesied about Himself Luke 9:22, 18:31-33, etc.
Why I Believe Jesus is God Why should I believe that Jesus is God? Let me make the case for why I should believe this! 5) Because He backed up His claims - Consider the miracles He performed John 20:30-31. - Nearly 10,000 witnessed His miracles - John 5:36 He appealed to them as a witness - John 10:37-38 - He even pleaded with them to accept Him because of the miracles, even if they didn t like Him
Why I Believe Jesus is God Why should I believe that Jesus is God? Let me make the case for why I should believe this! These and other reasons are WHY I firmly believe in Jesus as God. He established that He is the great I AM. In coming lessons, we will see what He means for us!
Will you surrender to Him? On His terms?
