Jesus’ Claims To His Identity
April 5, 2022
Commentary
We will find in this passage four claims made by Jesus regarding His identity.
1. The first claim Jesus made was in regard to EXALTATION (vv. 48-50).
“… I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. And I do not seek My own glory…”
a. When Jesus keeps refuting their arguments, the Jewish leaders resorted to the insults.
b. Jesus is not seeking fame and glory.
2. The second claim Jesus made was in regard to ETERNITY (51-53).
“… if anyone keeps My word, he shall never see death…”
a. We will never die when we are followers of Jesus.
b. Jesus directs our attention to His timelessness.
3. The third claim Jesus made was in regard to EXPECTATION (54-56).
“… It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God…”
a. Jesus has confidence about His relationship with the Father.
4. The fourth claim Jesus made was in regard to ESSENCE (57-58).
“… Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM…”
a. Jesus preceded Abraham.
b. Jesus makes the claim that He is the “Self-Existent One.”
The people picked up stones to kill Jesus, but he hid and left the temple (v. 59).
Application
Just as the Jewish leaders were faced with a choice to identify with Jesus, I have the same choice. I never want to be ashamed of my Lord.
John 8:48– 59 (NET)
48 The Judeans replied, “Aren’t we correct in saying that you are a Samaritan and are possessed by a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I am not possessed by a demon, but I honor my Father—and yet you dishonor me. 50 I am not trying to get praise for myself. There is one who demands it, and he also judges. 51 I tell you the solemn truth, if anyone obeys my teaching, he will never see death.”
52 Then the Judeans responded, “Now we know you’re possessed by a demon! Both Abraham and the prophets died, and yet you say, ‘If anyone obeys my teaching, he will never experience death.’ 53 You aren’t greater than our father Abraham who died, are you? And the prophets died too! Who do you claim to be?” 54 Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory is worthless. The one who glorifies me is my Father, about whom you people say, ‘He is our God.’ 55 Yet you do not know him, but 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 obey his teaching. 56 Your father Abraham was overjoyed to see my day, and he saw it and was glad.”
57 Then the Judeans replied, “You are not yet fifty years old! Have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the solemn truth, before Abraham came into existence, I am!” 59 Then they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus was hidden from them and went out from the temple area.
Illustration: Actor Forgets his True Identity
In the book “The Mask Behind the Mask,” biographer Peter Evans says that actor Peter Sellers played so many roles he sometimes was not sure of his own identity. Approached once by a fan who asked him, “Are you Peter Sellers?” Sellers answered briskly, “Not today,” and walked on. (Today in the Word, July 24, 1993).