BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS, I AM
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 8:48-59
Key Verse: “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58)
Supporting Texts: Exodus 3:14; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17; Revelation 1:8
INTRODUCTION
In John 8:58, Jesus made one of the most powerful declarations about His divine identity. While speaking with the Jewish leaders, He stated, “Before Abraham was, I am.” This statement was not merely about age or historical existence; it was a clear claim to eternal existence and divine nature.
The phrase “I AM” directly echoes the name God revealed to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:14. By using this title, Jesus identified Himself with the eternal God who has always existed. The Jewish leaders clearly understood the significance of His statement, which is why they reacted strongly and attempted to stone Him.
This declaration reveals that Jesus is not simply a prophet or teacher but the eternal Son of God who existed before all creation. Understanding this truth is essential for believers because it strengthens faith in Christ as the sovereign Lord who has authority over time, history, and eternity.
1. JESUS IS THE ETERNAL GOD
The statement “I AM” reveals that Jesus possesses eternal existence.
a. God’s Eternal Nature (Exodus 3:14)
God revealed Himself to Moses as “I AM THAT I AM,” indicating His self-existent and eternal nature.
b. Christ Existed Before Creation (John 1:1-2)
The Gospel of John begins by declaring that the Word existed in the beginning with God and was God.
c. Christ as the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8)
Jesus is the beginning and the end, demonstrating His eternal sovereignty.
d. The Unchanging Nature of Christ (Hebrews 13:8)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Biblical Example:
When Moses encountered God at the burning bush, God revealed Himself as the eternal “I AM,” showing that He exists beyond time and circumstance (Exodus 3:1-6).
2. JESUS IS GREATER THAN ABRAHAM
Abraham was a great patriarch of faith, yet Jesus declared that He existed even before Abraham.
a. Abraham Rejoiced to See Christ’s Day (John 8:56)
Jesus stated that Abraham looked forward to the coming of the Messiah.
b. Christ as the Fulfilment of God’s Promise (Genesis 12:3)
God promised Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed, which ultimately refers to Christ.
c. The Superiority of Christ (Colossians 1:17)
Christ existed before all things, and through Him everything holds together.
d. Faith in Christ Brings the Blessing of Abraham (Galatians 3:14)
Through Christ, believers receive the promise given to Abraham.
Biblical Example:
God tested Abraham’s faith when He asked him to offer Isaac, yet God provided a substitute, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ (Genesis 22:8-14).
3. THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
Because Jesus is eternal, He possesses divine authority over all things.
a. Creator of All Things (John 1:3)
All things were made through Christ, and without Him nothing was made.
b. Sustainer of Creation (Colossians 1:16-17)
Christ not only created the universe but also sustains it.
c. Authority Over Life and Death (John 11:25)
Jesus declared Himself the resurrection and the life.
d. Authority to Forgive Sin (Mark 2:10)
Christ demonstrated divine authority by forgiving sins and performing miracles.
Biblical Example:
When Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, even the winds and waves obeyed Him, revealing His authority over creation (Mark 4:39-41).
4. FAITH IN THE GREAT “I AM” BRINGS SALVATION
Recognising Jesus as the eternal “I AM” leads to salvation and eternal life.
a. Believing in Christ (John 8:24)
Jesus warned that those who do not believe in Him would die in their sins.
b. Salvation Through Christ Alone (Acts 4:12)
There is no other name by which people can be saved.
c. Eternal Life Through Faith (John 3:16)
Whoever believes in Christ receives everlasting life.
d. Worship of the Eternal King (Philippians 2:10-11)
Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Biblical Example:
Thomas recognised the divinity of Christ after the resurrection and declared, “My Lord and my God,” expressing faith in Jesus as the eternal Lord (John 20:28).
CONCLUSION
Jesus’ declaration, “Before Abraham was, I am,” reveals His eternal nature and divine identity. He is not merely a historical figure but the eternal Son of God who existed before creation and continues to reign forever.
Believers must recognise and honour Christ as the great “I AM.” Faith in Him brings salvation, assurance, and the promise of eternal life. As followers of Christ acknowledge His divine authority, they can live with confidence knowing that the eternal God is present and active in their lives.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, help me to recognise and honour Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, strengthen my faith in the divine authority and power of Christ, in Jesus name.
3. Father, reveal Yourself to me through Your Word and Spirit, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, help me to trust in Your eternal power over every situation in my life, in Jesus name.
5. Father, deepen my understanding of the greatness and majesty of Christ, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, establish my faith firmly in the truth of Your Word, in Jesus name.
7. Father, let the power of the great “I AM” manifest in every area of my life, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, guide me to walk in obedience and reverence before You, in Jesus name.
9. Father, let my life continually reflect my faith in the eternal Christ, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, keep me steadfast in my relationship with You until the end, in Jesus name.
