“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” John 8:58
In Exodus chapter 3 God calls to Moses from a burning bush and charges him to return to Egypt and lead the Hebrew people (The Jewish Nation) out of bondage and into the land of Canaan. Moses has some questions, the greatest of which is, “Who do I say sent me?” God’s reply is, “I am who I am. I AM has sent you.”
Jesus came to earth as a helpless baby, just like any other baby that was totally dependent on its mother’s care, except, He was Emmanuel, God with us. GOD WITH US!
You would think God in the Flesh would be the comfort a hurting world would welcome. But no! The Jewish people placed all their hope, all their interpretation of God’s loving, redeeming deeds, their entire theology in one thing: An earthly conquerer. A god that would show up, teach some people a few things and leave the Jewish nation in earthly power. The problem with this is, all things earthly are temporary and God is eternal. His justice, power and love are eternal too.
In this scripture narrative from John 8, Jesus is questioned by the Jewish hierarchy. They are doing everything possible to hang onto their wrong ideas because the truth doesn’t fit their purpose. Jesus is the Son of God, come to earth to Love. Jesus stands constant and firm in truth. His response connects Him solidly to the history His accusers cling so tightly to. He is the Son of God, the Triune God, He is the great “I AM.”
Stay Warm,
Gretchen
P.S. There is a song by Nichole Nordeman titled, “I Am.” It has been a comfort to me and might be for you as well if you would like to google it or view it on YouTube. For those of you that read via Facebook I have shared the song in the comments section.