Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”

John 8:53

The Jews asked this question when Jesus claimed that those who keep His word will never see death (Jn. 8:51). They were incensed by His claim to such high authority. Abraham and all the faithful prophets of God died when their time came. How, then, could Jesus claim that anyone who keeps His word will never see death?

Jesus, the master communicator, did not disappoint. He provoked their thoughts and then made this profound statement. “Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad” (56). Now, they went livid! Jesus was not even fifty years old, so how could He claim to have seen Abraham.

He had them where He wanted them. Do you know how a tennis player masterfully moves the ball to set the opponent up for a brilliant drop ball or passing shot? This was more masterful than anything the Jews expected to hear.

“I tell you the truth … before Abraham was born, I am!”

I can see the old men scrambling for stones and shouting, “Blasphemy!” Images of the far side of Horeb, the mountain of God, flashed through their minds. There, God revealed His everlasting name, “I AM WHO I AM,” to Moses (Ex. 3:13-15). It is the name by which, God said, they should remember Him from generation to generation. This self-revealed name of God (YHWY – Yahweh) is so sacred that the Jew cannot say it aloud or spell it. Rather, they use the transliterated version, Jehovah. He is the Most Holy, Self-existent, Self-sustaining, Self-sufficient God who is and will ever be – the unchanging God who is forever praised. How then could this young carpenter’s son from Nazareth claim to be Him?

I laugh at how this story ends. When they, with stones in hand, were breathing fire, Jesus walked away from them (John 8:59). I find it comical; yet affirming of His Messianic claim in a profound way.

Maybe you are baffled by the claims of Jesus and confused because of the teachings of other religions or people in academia. You have questioned His audacity and the testimony of His followers. Do not pick up your stone yet. He has intentionally pushed you to that point whereby He reveals Himself to the searching soul. Put your stone down and keep searching for Him in the Bible. He will satisfy you with Himself and calm your soul by His Spirit. You can trust Him with your life.

Who does Jesus think He is? He is God Almighty, the creator of all that is seen and unseen (Matt. 16:13-17; Col. 1:16-17).