Have you ever asked someone, “Who do you think you are?” Has anyone ever asked you that? In our text this morning, some very religious people—those who trace their lineage back to Abraham—direct this question at Jesus: “Who do you think you are?” (John 8:53, NLT). Wow, imagine standing before God and, in religious arrogance, asking Him who He thinks He is!
Who is Jesus? Jesus told these people twice and answered them again about His identity.
- …for unless you believe that I AM who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24, NLT)
- So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I AM he… (John 8:28, NLT)
- Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!” (John 8:58, NLT)
Yes, as you can imagine, the religious mob didn’t like the answer and picked up stones to stone Jesus.
It is one thing to talk big. Did Jesus provide any proof or signs that He is the I AM? He raised people from the dead, cured leprosy, and gave sight to the blind. He made the lame walk and cast out demons that obeyed His commands. He controlled the weather and storms, knew what was in people’s hearts, and responded accordingly. Did He not speak like no man ever spoke?
There is ample evidence that Jesus is the I AM, the Son of God, and He is God! While the Pharisees refused to believe the obvious, do we believe it? If we believe, then God is our Father, and here is how we know we believe: Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.” (John 8:42, ESV) Yes, we know who God is—do we love Him?
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from John 7-8.