Just when it seems that Yeshua has made his most provocative statements, we read John 8. In situation after situation, Yeshua places himself in a position of spiritual authority greater than the religious leaders. He makes direct connections between himself and G-d and challenges the authority of the Pharisees.
He deals a stunning blow at the end of the chapter. He makes the astonishing claim: “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” (John 8:51) What a statement!!! This assertion had them convinced that he was a mental case and, in fact, they accused him of having a demon and reminded him that Abraham and the prophets all died. Did he claim to be greater than Abraham and the prophets?
Yeshua said, “Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it and was glad.” (John 8:56) This made no sense and sounded even more and more like the ravings of a lunatic. “You are not yet fifty years old and have you seen Abraham?” (John 8:57) Yeshua’s answer is a direct reference to G-d revealing himself to Moses in the burning bush. When Moses asks G-d who should he tell the people of Israel sent him to lead them out of Egypt: G-d said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.'” (Exodus 3:14)
He delivers a stunning response: “Yeshua said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.’” (John 8:58) This is one of the most blatant statements of deity that he could make.
When Yeshua says to the religious leaders, “I AM,” they know exactly what he’s referring to. He is proclaiming himself to be G-d. Before, he just said he was the Son of Man who was coming to do the will of the Father, but THIS, this was different. “So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Yeshua hid himself and went out of the temple.” (John 8:59) Claiming to be G-d was blasphemy and warranted one response – death.
We continue to see John lay out for us over and over evidence that Yeshua is the Messiah – connections that Yeshua made through his statements and actions. It is no surprise that this is John’s aim since he opened the book with the first verses connecting Yeshua to G-d being there before time existed. As we continue to dig deeper in this book, we will see how the evidence and testimonies just pile on more and more, until it becomes undeniable for the people. They must either acknowledge that Yeshua is who he says he is or do what the religious leaders did here – kill him for proclaiming that he is G-d.
I hope you’re enjoying this time digging in to John every day as we are challenged to read the Word in fresh, new ways to see the depth there waiting for us.
Neshama Women 