John 8:48-59

This passage has several interesting elements to offer. First is the whole glory and honor discussion. The Jews have a vested interest (it seems) in dishonoring Jesus. But Jesus claims that God the Father has a vested interest in giving Jesus honor and glory. One example of this glory the Father has given to Jesus is that those who keep Jesus’ words will never see death. Abraham himself recognized the honor and glory of Jesus! In verse 50, it could be debated whether the “One who seeks (glory) and judges” – obviously God – is seeking His own glory or Jesus’ glory. Both are true, since it is God who honors Jesus, so either way the Jews are getting on the wrong side of the One who judges by dishonoring Jesus. I must give glory to the One who deserves it!

 

Secondly, this passage contains another of Jesus’ obvious claims to be God. “Before Abraham was born, I am.” John writes Jesus’ statement using the exact same Greek words found in the Greek translation of Exodus 3:14: ego eimi, I am. This is the statement God told Moses to give to the Israelites as God’s name. When Jesus combined these words with the phrase, “Before Abraham was born,” He left no doubt that He was claiming to be God. Those who suppose that Jesus could have been an angel and still have existed before Abraham are right, but no angel would have dared to claim deity the way Jesus does here. Jesus is more than a creature; He is the Creator. Abraham honored Jesus. Though this would be a side track, I wonder if Jesus is referring to Abraham’s conversations with God, to the time when Abraham hosted three visitors, or to the time when Abraham met Melchizedek. Perhaps all three? Regardless, Abraham recognized Jesus’ divinity, and we should, too. Give glory to Jesus Christ, our God!

 

Thirdly, I found it interesting that this whole conversation took place in the temple. When the Jews picked up stones, Jesus left the temple. Let’s think about this. They’re in the temple, where God is to be worshiped. The Jews are dishonoring Jesus – God in the flesh! They are not worshiping. They are not listening. In fact, they get so upset at Him when He claims to be God that they prepare to stone Him! And then what happens? Jesus – God Himself – leaves the temple. Chilling. I won’t make too much of it since we see Jesus in the temple later in John. But it brought to mind the Ezekiel passage where the glory of God departs from the temple. Any time that God leaves the place where He is supposed to meet with men is a scary time. Praise God that Jesus came in the flesh! Jesus remained on earth obediently until His work was done, paving a highway to heaven with His body. He is “Immanuel,” God with us, and He has not left us alone. We can still meet God through Jesus. But once we reject Him, there is nothing left for us but fear. We must glorify Jesus. And we must glorify Him today, while there is still time.