Before Abraham was, I am.

Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ But you have not known him. 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 keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.

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The question of immortality has puzzled mankind from the very beginning. Folks who espouse a belief in reincarnation think that we each existed in some earthly form before we were born. Some people of faith believe that we became immortal when we were born. Of course others believe that people cease to exist when they die. And some think that we take on immortality when we are born of the Spirit. In this passage Jesus speaks of Himself and gives us a peak into his life before becoming man. I believe he is unique in this.

Some are confused about Jesus and think that he was simply a man believing that Jesus never espoused to be God in flesh. The Jews in this passage would disagree with that perspective. When he speaks of knowing Abraham he begins to give them a glimpse into his life before becoming a man. When he uses the words "I am" they take up stones because they believed he had committed blasphemy by using the name of God. Will you, like them, pick up a stone today or will you raise your hands in worship to Jesus. The choice is yours.

I raise my hands. Along with you Father I glorify your Son. Help my life to bring glory to Him.