Before Abraham was, I AM
John 8:48-59 with Exodus 3:12-15
13. John 8:51 and John 8:56
a. John 8:51
“I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone observes My teaching [lives in accordance with My message, keeps My word], he will by no means ever see and experience death.” AMPC
“Our face is turned away from death…The Greek is not fully interpreted by the word ‘see’: it is an intenser word. According to Westcott, the sight here mentioned is that of ‘a long, steady, exhaustive vision, whereby we become slowly acquainted with the nature of the object to which it is directed.’…While unforgiven, I cannot help gazing upon it, and foreseeing it as my doom. When the gospel of the Lord Jesus comes to my soul, and I keep his saying by faith, I am turned completely round. My back is upon death, and my face is towards life eternal.” (Spurgeon)
“This wasn’t just speaking about physical death. All of Jesus’ followers died physically and still do. This was speaking of spiritual death. Those who accept Jesus as their Lord and become born again have already passed from death to life and will never die spiritually” (John 5:24). (Living Commentary – Andrew Wommack)
Although, some have skipped physical death altogether, taking their bodies with them. Enoch, Elijah, and perhaps John the Apostle.
“I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” John 5:24 (NLT)
“Then death and Hades [the realm of the dead] were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire [the eternal separation from God].” Revelation 20:14 (AMP)
Believers already died with Christ.
“We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.” Romans 6:6 (NLT)
Jesus conquered death.
“And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News.” 2 Timothy 1:10 (NLT)
b. John 8:56
“Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” (Emphasis added)
“It is interesting also that the Hebrew expression in Genesis 24:1, which stated that Abraham ‘went into the days’ (an expression translated in our Bible ‘was well-stricken in age’) was taken by some Rabbis to mean that he saw into the distant future.” (Tasker)
This is very interesting indeed. Abraham had amazing encounters throughout his life, so why not consider the Hebrew literal? Jesus confirms it.
“So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.” Genesis 22:3 ESV
“Abraham had a glimpse of what Jesus would do. He saw it in the fact that his heir who would carry the blessing of God wasn’t the firstborn but the son of promise (Galatians 4:21-26). This illustrated salvation by faith instead of works. He also got a glimpse of God providing a sacrifice for us on Mount Moriah when the Lord gave Abraham a ram to sacrifice instead of Isaac (Genesis 22:10-13).
Abraham didn’t see Jesus’ day with his physical eyes. He saw this with his heart. He was seeing things that could not be seen (2 Corinthians 4:18). He was walking by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7).” (Living Commentary – Andrew Wommack)
14. Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58
a. God told Moses to tell the People of Israel, “I AM sent me to you.”
Moses’ conversation with God is recorded in Exodus 3:12-15.
When Jesus made his statement, the people knew exactly what he meant by it. Jesus applied the divine title of Yahweh to Himself. He also is saying I AM the eternal God, and I existed before Abraham and before That’s why they picked up stones to throw at him. He miraculously concealed himself and left the temple.
Luke 4:30 (AMP)But passing [miraculously] through the crowd, He went on His way.
b. Jesus is the Divine Son of God.
He is the only one in heaven or on earth found worthy. He is my creator. The creator. My Redeemer and intercessor. He is love personified.
My answers to BSF Bible study fellowship questions on John Lesson 12 Day 5
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