John 8:58 (ESV)
“Before Abraham was, I am.”
DEVOTIONAL
In this short yet thunderous statement, our Lord Jesus proclaims a truth that shook the religious leaders to the core. He did not say, “Before Abraham was, I was,” as though He were merely older. He said, “I AM.” With those two words, He echoed the holy name revealed to Moses at the burning bush—“I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14).
Jesus is not merely a wise teacher from ancient Palestine, nor simply the founder of Christianity—He is the eternal, self-existent God. He stands outside of time, uncreated, immutable, and sovereign. He does not change. His love does not fade. His promises do not falter. His Word endures forever.
In declaring “I AM,” Christ revealed His divine identity—He is Yahweh in the flesh, the same God who covenanted with Abraham, led Israel through the wilderness, and who now stands before us in grace and truth. This is the Jesus who walks with us, who intercedes for us, and who will come again in glory.
Such a truth demands more than mere admiration; it calls for worship. It is not enough to acknowledge that Christ is—we must bow before Him, trust in Him, and love Him with our whole being. For if Jesus is truly the “I AM,” then every moment of our lives is lived under His sovereign gaze and within His eternal care.
Let this truth steady your heart today. Are you anxious? He is your peace. Are you weary? He is your rest. Are you lost? He is the way. Are you doubting? He is the truth. Are you dying? He is the life.
Come to the One who simply is—and who will forever be your All in all.
Prayer
O Lord Jesus, Eternal I AM,
We bow before You in awe and wonder. You are not bound by time or weakness as we are. From everlasting to everlasting, You are God. Forgive us for how easily we forget Your greatness and drift into fear, anxiety, and self-reliance.
Thank You for revealing Yourself to us—not as a distant deity, but as the God who draws near. Thank You for the cross, where the great I AM became the Lamb, bearing our sin and shame.
Teach us to trust in You more fully, to walk in Your truth, and to rest in Your unchanging love. Be our peace in the storm, our strength in the trial, and our joy in every season.
We worship You, Jesus, with hearts full of gratitude. To You be all glory, honor, and praise—now and forevermore.
Amen.