Comforting words-"I AM"

Before Abraham came to be, I am. (John 8:58)

Throughout this long conversation with the Jewish leaders, Jesus had been hinting at his identity—and angering his opponents in the process. Up to this point, they had already called him a liar, accused him of being a Samaritan, and even suggested that he was demon possessed (John 8:48). You can just imagine them asking, Just who do you think you are, anyway? They might have found it hard enough to swallow if Jesus hadn’t gone beyond implying that he was greater than the great patriarch Abraham (8:52-57). But now, by saying, “I am”—a statement which was reserved only for Yahweh to make—Jesus identified himself with Almighty God (8:58)! The claim so infuriated them that they picked up stones to kill him.

We have quite a different dilemma today. Unlike first-century Jews, many people today don’t think too much about Jesus’ identity. They see him as little more than a noble man or a doer of good deeds. And as a result, their vision of life is sadly limited.

For us who believe, however, understanding who Jesus is can open up possibilities we might never have considered before. Jesus is the great “I am.” In his person reside all the qualities of God himself. As the eternal Son of God, he has always existed. Before the world began, he was predestined to rule over us as a shepherd tends his sheep. Even before we fell into sin, the Father intended to send his Son to us to fill us with divine life and bring us into his presence. 

Hearing Jesus declare himself “I am” stirs our hearts with the assurance that we are in a safe place. It tells us that the eternal God knows every moment of our lives and that he is with us in every situation. He-who-is never lets us out of his sight—and how wonderful that is! Even when we stumble in sin and disbelief, Jesus is ready to lead us back into his Father’s embrace.

What love God has for us! Today let’s thank him for his faithfulness and ask his Spirit to impress these truths more deeply in our hearts. 

“Jesus, how comforting it is to know of your unfailing love! Let your word penetrate my heart, that I may see you as you truly are: the awesome, eternal Son of God.”

from wau.org