John 8:48-59
Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word, he will never see death. – John 8:51
In today’s passage, John shows us that the debate between Jesus and the Jews has become increasingly intense. The Jews’ questioning of Jesus leads Him to openly reveal His identity and mission. Jesus says:
– His Father is the one who judges righteously. (v. 50)
– Whoever keeps His word will never see death. (v. 51)
– They do not know His Father, but He does. If He were to say He does not know the Father, He would be a liar. (v. 55)
Finally, when the Jews question whether He has seen Abraham, Jesus responds, “Before Abraham was, I am.” The phrase “I am” is the name God used to reveal Himself (Exodus 3:14). Thus, Jesus is openly declaring His identity—He is God. The Jews understand this clearly, which is why they started to pick up stones to kill Him, as was prescribed in the Old Testament for blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16).
There are many great religious figures in the world who, during their lifetimes, founded major religions and gained many followers. How is Jesus different from these great men and sages? To be fair, Jesus is not unique simply because of His charismatic personality, as many other leaders possessed a natural charm. Nor is He unique because He taught love and tolerance, as many religions and sages have also taught these values. Even His spirit of sacrifice and suffering is not unique, as Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism also emphasize such ideals.
The most significant difference between Jesus and other historical figures is that He claimed to be God—the Creator of humanity who became flesh, came into the world as the Son of God, and through His death and resurrection, freed humanity from sin and brought life and freedom. This is something no other historical figure has ever claimed or done.
Jesus is not merely a respected teacher, prophet, or great man. He declared Himself to be the Christ, the Messiah long awaited by Israel, and the Savior of humanity. The world may reject Him, but we must never see Him as just a saint or a great man.
What about you? How do you view Jesus? Are you willing to accept His claim, acknowledge that you are a sinner, and recognize your need for His salvation?
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, You are the eternal God, the Son of God, the Messiah of the world, and our Savior. Thank You for becoming flesh and coming into this broken world to seek and save us. Open the eyes of my heart to know You. Grant me faith to receive Your words of eternal life, and let the Holy Spirit transform me to obey You and experience the abundant life that You have promised. I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.
In today’s passage, John shows us that the debate between Jesus and the Jews has become increasingly intense. The Jews’ questioning of Jesus leads Him to openly reveal His identity and mission. Jesus says:
– His Father is the one who judges righteously. (v. 50)
– Whoever keeps His word will never see death. (v. 51)
– They do not know His Father, but He does. If He were to say He does not know the Father, He would be a liar. (v. 55)
Finally, when the Jews question whether He has seen Abraham, Jesus responds, “Before Abraham was, I am.” The phrase “I am” is the name God used to reveal Himself (Exodus 3:14). Thus, Jesus is openly declaring His identity—He is God. The Jews understand this clearly, which is why they started to pick up stones to kill Him, as was prescribed in the Old Testament for blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16).
There are many great religious figures in the world who, during their lifetimes, founded major religions and gained many followers. How is Jesus different from these great men and sages? To be fair, Jesus is not unique simply because of His charismatic personality, as many other leaders possessed a natural charm. Nor is He unique because He taught love and tolerance, as many religions and sages have also taught these values. Even His spirit of sacrifice and suffering is not unique, as Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism also emphasize such ideals.
The most significant difference between Jesus and other historical figures is that He claimed to be God—the Creator of humanity who became flesh, came into the world as the Son of God, and through His death and resurrection, freed humanity from sin and brought life and freedom. This is something no other historical figure has ever claimed or done.
Jesus is not merely a respected teacher, prophet, or great man. He declared Himself to be the Christ, the Messiah long awaited by Israel, and the Savior of humanity. The world may reject Him, but we must never see Him as just a saint or a great man.
What about you? How do you view Jesus? Are you willing to accept His claim, acknowledge that you are a sinner, and recognize your need for His salvation?
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, You are the eternal God, the Son of God, the Messiah of the world, and our Savior. Thank You for becoming flesh and coming into this broken world to seek and save us. Open the eyes of my heart to know You. Grant me faith to receive Your words of eternal life, and let the Holy Spirit transform me to obey You and experience the abundant life that You have promised. I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.