When Jesus spoke the words “Before Abraham was, I am” in John 8:58, He made one of the boldest and most important claims in the entire Bible. This statement reaches beyond history, beyond human identity, and into the eternal nature of God. Let’s look at what these words mean and why they still matter today.
The Context of Jesus’ Words
In John 8, Jesus was speaking to the Jewish leaders who prided themselves on being descendants of Abraham. They questioned His authority and His identity. Jesus responded by pointing to a truth that shook them: His existence did not begin with His earthly birth. He declared that He existed before Abraham, the father of the Jewish people.
“Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.’” (John 8:58 NKJV)
The leaders knew exactly what He meant, and they picked up stones to kill Him. To them, His words were blasphemy—unless, of course, He truly was who He claimed to be.
The Divine Name Revealed
When Jesus used the phrase “I am”, He connected His identity with the name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush.
“And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:14 NKJV)
This name points to God’s eternal self-existence. Jesus was not claiming to be just a prophet; He was claiming equality with Yahweh, the eternal God.
What This Teaches About Jesus
Jesus’ statement reveals several truths about Him:
- Eternal Nature – He existed before creation.
- Oneness with God – He carries the same divine name.
- Authority Over History – He is not bound by time.
- Source of Life – He is the one through whom Abraham and all people live.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1 NKJV)
“He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:17 NKJV)
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8 NKJV)
Why This Matters for Us
If Jesus is truly the eternal “I AM,” then He is not just a teacher or prophet. He is Lord and God. His words hold eternal weight, and His promises are trustworthy.
- He has always existed and will never change.
- He is present with His people in every generation.
- He has power to save and forgive because He is God.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life.” (John 6:47–48 ESV)
“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NKJV)
Living in Light of “I Am”
When life feels uncertain, we can rest in the truth that Jesus is the eternal “I Am.” He is not bound by time, culture, or circumstance. He is with us, unchanging and faithful, just as He was with Abraham, Moses, and countless others.
“Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” (Isaiah 46:4 NKJV)
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV)
