Introduction
John 8:48–59: In his confrontation with the religious leaders, Jesus states that his actions honor God, and he once again invokes God’s Divine Name.
Today’s Key Verse: John 8:51
[Jesus said:] “I am telling you the truth: whoever obeys my teaching will never die.”
Reading
48 They asked Jesus, “Were we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon in you?”
49 “I have no demon,” Jesus answered. “I honor my Father, but you dishonor me. 50 I am not seeking honor for myself. But there is one who is seeking it and who judges in my favor. 51 I am telling you the truth: whoever obeys my teaching will never die.”
52 They said to him, “Now we know for sure that you have a demon! Abraham died, and the prophets died, yet you say that whoever obeys your teaching will never die. 53 Our father Abraham died; you do not claim to be greater than Abraham, do you? And the prophets also died. Who do you think you are?”
54 Jesus answered, “If I were to honor myself, that honor would be worth nothing. The one who honors me is my Father—the very one you say is your God. 55 You have never known him, but I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I obey his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he was to see the time of my coming; he saw it and was glad.”
57 They said to him, “You are not even fifty years old—and you have seen Abraham?”
58 “I am telling you the truth,” Jesus replied. “Before Abraham was born, ‘I Am’.”
59 Then they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and left the Temple.
Reflect
In today’s reading, Jesus says, “Before Abraham was born, ‘I Am.’” God’s divine name, “I AM,” was first revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14). Jesus’s use of the name, as noted in John 8:23–29 (in the reading from April 2), connects him with aspects of God’s nature and identifies him as the one sent by God. How does Jesus’s use of the divine name underscore his argument with his opponents? How do they react? What does Jesus’s use of the divine name mean to you? Reread verse 51. In what ways do you seek to obey Jesus’s teachings? Reread verses 54–56. What does Jesus say about God and his relationship with God? How would you describe your own relationship with God?
Pray
Lord Jesus, I trust in you and in your word of truth. Keep me close to you and strong in faith as I seek to follow you. May all I do and say this day give glory and honor to God. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
John 11:1–16: Jesus receives word that his friend Lazarus is ill.
