Day 21 – Before he was, I am

John 8:48-59

The Jews answered Jesus, “Aren’t we right to say that you are a Samaritan, and you have a demon?”

Jesus answered, “I don’t have a demon, but I honour my Father and you dishonour me. I am not seeking my own glory. But there is one who demands it and decides. Truly, truly, I tell you, if anyone keeps my word, they will never see death.”

Then the Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets; and you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, they will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets died. Who do you think you are?”

Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, the one you say, “He is our God.” You haven’t even known him, but I know him. If I said, ‘I don’t know him,’ I would be like you, a liar. But I know him and keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it and greeted it with joy.”

Then the Jews said to him, “You are not even fifty years old! And you have seen Abraham?”

Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and came out from the temple.

For reflection

What can it mean to be in the presence of Jesus who claims “Before Abraham was, I AM”?