Before Abraham was I Am
Series: The Gospel of John
January 13, 2025
Pastor Mike
In this powerful exploration of John 8:48-59, we delve into the profound declaration of Jesus as the great 'I AM'. This passage challenges us to confront our understanding of Christ's divinity and its implications for our faith. We see Jesus, in the face of accusations and insults, calmly asserting His eternal nature and unity with God the Father. This serves as a reminder that our identity and worth are not defined by others' opinions, but by our relationship with God. The text draws parallels between Jesus and the life-giving water in the desert, emphasizing how He fulfills our deepest spiritual needs. As we reflect on this, we're invited to consider: How does recognizing Jesus as the eternal 'I AM' transform our daily lives and our approach to challenges? Let's embrace the peace and assurance that come from knowing that the One who existed before Abraham continues to be present in our lives today.
Episode Notes
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the lesson
Day 1: The Great I AM
Reading: John 8:48-59, Exodus 3:13-14
Devotional: Today, we focus on Jesus' powerful declaration: "Before Abraham was, I am." This statement echoes God's self-revelation to Moses at the burning bush.
Jesus is asserting His eternal nature and divine identity. As you reflect on this, consider how the eternal nature of Christ impacts your faith. How does knowing that Jesus is the unchanging, ever-present God affect your daily life? Take time to meditate on the comfort and security found in worshipping a God who transcends time and circumstance. Ask yourself: How can I more fully embrace Jesus as the great "I AM" in my life today?
Jesus is asserting His eternal nature and divine identity. As you reflect on this, consider how the eternal nature of Christ impacts your faith. How does knowing that Jesus is the unchanging, ever-present God affect your daily life? Take time to meditate on the comfort and security found in worshipping a God who transcends time and circumstance. Ask yourself: How can I more fully embrace Jesus as the great "I AM" in my life today?
Day 2: Living Water for the Thirsty Soul
Reading: John 4:1-26, Isaiah 55:1-3
Devotional: Jesus offers Himself as living water to quench our spiritual thirst. Just as a weary traveler in the desert desperately seeks water, our souls long for the refreshment and fulfillment that only Christ can provide.
Reflect on areas of your life where you feel spiritually dry or unfulfilled. How can you open yourself more fully to the living water Jesus offers?
Consider practical steps you can take to immerse yourself in Christ's presence, whether through increased prayer, Bible study, or acts of service. Remember, in Jesus, we find completeness and restoration.
How can you share this living water with others who are spiritually thirsty?
Reflect on areas of your life where you feel spiritually dry or unfulfilled. How can you open yourself more fully to the living water Jesus offers?
Consider practical steps you can take to immerse yourself in Christ's presence, whether through increased prayer, Bible study, or acts of service. Remember, in Jesus, we find completeness and restoration.
How can you share this living water with others who are spiritually thirsty?
Day 3: The Good Shepherd's Guidance
Reading: John 10:1-18, Psalm 23
Devotional: Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, promising guidance, protection, and abundant life. In a world full of competing voices and distractions, how can you better attune yourself to the Shepherd's voice? Reflect on times when you've felt lost or directionless. How did God's guidance eventually become clear?
Consider areas of your life where you need the Good Shepherd's leading right now. Spend time in prayer, asking for clarity and the courage to follow where He leads.
How can you demonstrate trust in the Shepherd's care, even in uncertain or challenging circumstances?
Consider areas of your life where you need the Good Shepherd's leading right now. Spend time in prayer, asking for clarity and the courage to follow where He leads.
How can you demonstrate trust in the Shepherd's care, even in uncertain or challenging circumstances?
Day 4: Resurrection Hope
Reading: John 11:17-27, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
Devotional: Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life." This profound statement offers hope that extends beyond our earthly existence. How does the promise of resurrection shape your perspective on life's challenges and sorrows?
Reflect on how this hope can transform your approach to difficulties, loss, or fear. Consider someone in your life who may need to hear this message of hope.
How can you share the comfort of Christ's resurrection power with them? Take time to thank God for the gift of eternal life and ask for a renewed sense of purpose in light of this incredible promise.
Reflect on how this hope can transform your approach to difficulties, loss, or fear. Consider someone in your life who may need to hear this message of hope.
How can you share the comfort of Christ's resurrection power with them? Take time to thank God for the gift of eternal life and ask for a renewed sense of purpose in light of this incredible promise.
Day 5: Knowing the Father Through the Son
Reading: John 14:1-14, Colossians 1:15-20
Devotional: Jesus states, "If you know me, you will know my Father also." Christ is the perfect revelation of God's character and love. As you read today's passages, reflect on what they reveal about God's nature.
How does seeing God through Jesus change or deepen your understanding of the Father? Consider areas where you may have misconceptions about God's character.
Ask the Holy Spirit to align your view of God with the truth revealed in Christ. How can knowing God more intimately through Jesus transform your worship, prayer life, and relationships with others? Commit to pursuing a deeper knowledge of God through time spent with Jesus in prayer and Scripture.
How does seeing God through Jesus change or deepen your understanding of the Father? Consider areas where you may have misconceptions about God's character.
Ask the Holy Spirit to align your view of God with the truth revealed in Christ. How can knowing God more intimately through Jesus transform your worship, prayer life, and relationships with others? Commit to pursuing a deeper knowledge of God through time spent with Jesus in prayer and Scripture.
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