February 18th, 2019
JOHN 8:48-59
(GNT)
Sustained by God’s Word of Love
INTRODUCTION
John 8:48-59: In yesterday’s reading, Jesus’s opponents claimed Abraham as their father (8:39, 41). Today’s reading continues the debate over their claim as children of Abraham and Jesus’s claim that God is his father. In the ensuing confrontation about this matter, the religious leaders accuse Jesus of having a demon in him.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: JOHN 8:58
“I am telling you the truth,” Jesus replied. “Before Abraham was born, ‘I Am’.”
TODAY’S READING
JESUS AND ABRAHAM
48They asked Jesus, “Were we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon in you?”
49“I have no demon,” Jesus answered. “I honor my Father, but you dishonor me.50I am not seeking honor for myself. But there is one who is seeking it and who judges in my favor.51I am telling you the truth: whoever obeys my teaching will never die.”
52They said to him, “Now we know for sure that you have a demon! Abraham died, and the prophets died, yet you say that whoever obeys your teaching will never die.53Our father Abraham died; you do not claim to be greater than Abraham, do you? And the prophets also died. Who do you think you are?”
54Jesus answered, “If I were to honor myself, that honor would be worth nothing. The one who honors me is my Father—the very one you say is your God.55You have never known him, but I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I obey his word.56Your father Abraham rejoiced that he was to see the time of my coming; he saw it and was glad.”
57They said to him, “You are not even fifty years old—and you have seen Abraham?”
58“I am telling you the truth,” Jesus replied. “Before Abraham was born, ‘I Am’.”
59Then they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and left the Temple.
REFLECT
In yesterday’s reading, Jesus said, “you will know that ‘I Am Who I Am’ ” (8:28); and in today’s reading Jesus says, “Before Abraham was born, ‘I Am’.” John’s Gospel includes seven of Jesus’s “I Am” sayings (6:35, 48; 8:12; 10:7, 9, 11, 14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:5), and we have encountered two of them in readings earlier this month (6:35, 48; 8:12). God’s divine name “I AM” was first revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14), and Jesus’s use of the name connects him to aspects of God’s nature and identifies him as the one sent by God. How does Jesus’s use of the divine name underscore his argument with his opponents? What does Jesus’s use of the divine name mean to you?
PRAY
Lord Jesus, your Word is truth, and you have promised eternal life to all who obey your teachings. Teach me to be obedient to your will and give glory and honor to you. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.
PRAYER CONCERN
Followers of Jesus who encounter opposition to their faith
TOMORROW’S READING
John 10:1-21: Jesus is the Good Shepherd
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