The Jews speaking to Jesus probably had no idea they’d be getting into such a deep conversation. They probably thought it was just another semantic argument, this time about Jesus’ claim that those who keep his words would never see death. But when Jesus responded to them, he dove beneath the surface and made one of the most important statements of his ministry:
“Before Abraham came to be, i am” (John 8:58). Echoing Yahweh’s revelation to Moses, Jesus had the audacity (actually, the humility) to proclaim himself as equal to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob!
Imagine: Jesus is one with the true God who made the Israelites’ treasured covenant with Abraham so long ago. This statement completely
turned on its head all the people’s conceptions of this prophet from Galilee. No longer could they just go along dissecting his words—he had taken the conversation to a new level.
Do you believe Jesus wants to reveal himself to you? Even on those days when you’re
preoccupied or feeling guilty or anxious—even on days like this, he still wants to show you who he is and let that revelation lift you up to heaven. He still wants to stretch your vision and ***unsettle ***your expectations. He still wants to call you to a deeper relationship with him!
Of course, through consistent prayer, we can develop habits of listening to the Lord so that we are more open to his revelation. By reading and pondering Scripture, for example, we form a backboard of truth against which we can judge and understand what Jesus wants to say to us personally. No matter what else may be going on in our lives,
we can rest assured that Jesus wants to get our attention and transform us.
As we hear Jesus tell us about himself, we will feel ourselves compelled to respond to him on a deeper level. Jesus longs to touch every area of our lives. He longs for his presence to permeate even our darkest areas. And he longs for us to be completely his. So allow the revelation of who he is to change you deeply today!
“Jesus, I believe you are one with the Father in heaven.
I believe that you were at the Father’s side
from before creation,
and that you are his beloved Son.
I believe that you made me and redeemed me,
and so I give my life to you!”
