In the profound exchange recorded in John 8:51-59, we encounter one of the most striking declarations of Christ's divinity in all of Scripture. Jesus makes the extraordinary claim, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." With these words, He appropriates the sacred name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush, declaring Himself eternal and divine. This is not merely a claim of pre-existence but an explicit identification with the eternal God of Israel. The Jewish authorities understood precisely what He meant, which is why they picked up stones to throw at Him. In making this declaration, Jesus reveals that He transcends time itself - He was not merely before Abraham chronologically; He exists eternally in the divine present.
The eternal nature of Jesus transforms how I approach each day of faith. When I pray, I speak not to a mere historical figure or enlightened teacher but to the eternal God who entered history. Each moment of my existence unfolds before the One who has always been and will always be. This profound truth calls me to recognize that my relationship with Christ transcends the temporal boundaries of this world. When troubles arise, I can trust that the One who declared "I AM" holds all times and seasons in His hands. My daily struggles and joys are embraced by eternal love, and my momentary afflictions are held within an eternal perspective that gives them meaning and purpose.
The reaction of the Jewish leaders to Jesus' declaration is telling - they understood He was claiming equality with God, a claim so shocking they considered it blasphemy worthy of death. Yet this bold assertion of divinity challenges me to consider the depth of my own response to Christ. Do I truly live as though I believe Jesus is the eternal God incarnate? Have I allowed this central truth to transform how I approach every aspect of life? Too often, I find myself living practically as though Jesus were simply a wise teacher whose teachings I can selectively follow rather than the eternal Lord who deserves my complete allegiance and trust. His claim to divinity demands nothing less than the surrender of my entire life.
The eternal Christ calls us to an eternal perspective. When Jesus says, "If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death," He is not promising physical immortality but pointing to the life that transcends death. Because He is the eternal "I AM," He offers participation in His eternal life to those who follow Him. This changes everything about how I approach daily decisions, relationships, and priorities. What seems urgently important by worldly standards must be reevaluated in light of eternity. Material success, reputation, comfort - all the things that used to drive my decisions and consume my anxiety - are revealed as transient when viewed through the lens of Jesus Christ's eternal nature. Instead, faithfulness, love, and communion with God emerge as the enduring values worthy of my deepest commitment.
The declaration "Before Abraham was, I AM" stands as a divine summons to devotion. It is not merely a theological concept to be admired from a distance but a living truth that demands response. If Jesus is truly the eternal God in human flesh, then my appropriate response must be complete surrender and trust. There is no room for half-hearted commitment or selective obedience. His divine nature establishes His absolute authority over every dimension of life. When I fully embrace the truth that Jesus is the great "I AM," I must also embrace that my very existence depends upon Him - not just my eternal destiny but my present reality, purpose, and identity. In light of His eternal nature, I am called to worship Him not merely with words but with the offering of my entire life, trusting that the One who exists beyond time is worthy of my unconditional devotion.
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
