Saturday, March 14

Scripture: John 8:58
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

THE GREAT I AM
When I was a little boy I was constantly looking up. I was enthralled by the world around me; by nature and it’s delicate intricacy, by the hustle and bustle of people around me, but mostly by the tranquil stars. I have vivid memories of hiking in the rugged foothills surrounding my childhood home with my dad just as dusk was descending. There was a sense of anticipation as the pale sky slowly revealed shimming points of light within its fabric. The quiet awe and timeless sensation that lingered with me in those moments still greet me today when I find time to simply stop what I’m doing and look up at the sky.

In John chapter 8, we find Jesus (as we often find him in the gospel of John) in a rather contentious verbal sparring match with the crowds and Pharisees around him. On this particular day, Jesus claims something utterly extraordinary, the weight of which is not lost on the people surrounding him: “... before Abraham was born, I AM.” Outrageous blasphemy! A statement deserving of death! We can imagine the Pharisees groping for stones so that they can silence Jesus for good!

Jesus challenged the social norms of his day, and this case was no different. But he also went out of his way to show kindness and compassion to those in need around him. He spoke of himself in metaphorical ways, "I am the Bread of Life" (John 6 :35) ; "I am the Door" (John 10 :7) ;  "I am the Good Shepherd" (John 10 :11). Each of these "I am" appellations referred in tangible concepts to those around him, but were also meant to highlight his desire for a relational capacity with people. The "I am" titles Jesus ascribes to himself point out how we ought to respond to him.

In John 8:58, Jesus broadens the scope. This "I am" title is a self-referential statement of being and existence, of authority and permanence. He is claiming godship. When we read "I AM" period, Exodus 3:14 immediately come to mind. This is the title God gives to himself when speaking to Moses on the mountain. Although the theological potency of this statement cannot be fully unpacked here, what has always resonated with me about Jesus' "I AM" statement is the transcendence and power that is declared. Indeed, he is "very God of very God" where "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" (Col 2:9). 

If we believe this to be true, then the Jesus who spoke these words, is the same Jesus responsible for creating the stars in the sky that used to mesmerize me as a child. That feeling of timeless awe I sensed was the recognition of the supreme creator declaring "I am" through his creation, because "through [the Word] all things were made" (John 1:3).  Even in the midst of the strife in John chapter 8, even in the midst of his heart-wrenching ministry, Jesus had the scope and clarity to know exactly who he was (and is), and I find great comfort in this, because he loves us. When I am in the midst of a discouraging day, or feeling defeated, or persecuted, Jesus' declaration of "I am" causes me to look up, to stop and recognize his eminence. The rawness of my emotions or desires ebb away as I take time to stop and look up and give proper respect to the one who is in control of the universe. JESUS IS, and I am not. 

PRAYER
Lord,  help me to recognize that you are the sustainer of all life. You are utterly holy, and completely good. You are self-sufficient, and all powerful. Let me recognize my insignificance before you, and yet bask in your fatherly love and care for me; a sinner who struggles daily. Let me realize that it is not by my will or strength, but only by leaning on your will and strength that I am made whole and pure, because apart from you I am nothing. You are everything. You are the Great I Am. Amen.

Shawn Thomas, Communication Coordinator for University Admissions