Before Abraham Was, I Am

Summary

In this teaching, the speaker explores the biblical significance of the phrase 'I Am' as used by both God in the Old Testament and Jesus in the New Testament. Drawing on John 8 and Genesis 17, the speaker highlights how Jesus' use of 'I Am' affirms His divinity, linking Him to the eternal God of Abraham. The discussion includes reflections on the Trinity, the incarnation, and the role of the Holy Spirit, with a particular focus on the events surrounding Pentecost. This insightful reflection encourages a deeper understanding of God's nature and the mystery of the Trinity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jesus' declaration of 'I am' in John 8 reflects his divinity, echoing God's self-revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:14.
• 😀 The use of the phrase 'I am' in both Exodus and John signifies the eternal existence of God and Jesus as the same divine being.
• 😀 Jesus' statement in John 8 creates tension with his opponents, leading them to accuse him of blasphemy for claiming to be God.
• 😀 The Greek phrase 'ego eimi,' meaning 'I am,' is a direct reference to the divine name of God in the Old Testament.
• 😀 The confrontation in John 8 demonstrates the central theological conflict in the Gospel: Jesus' claim to be one with God.
• 😀 Genesis 17, where God speaks to Abraham, also uses the 'I am' language, connecting Jesus' divinity to God's covenant with Abraham.
• 😀 The opponents of Jesus were enraged because they perceived his claim to divinity as a violation of blasphemy laws, warranting punishment.
• 😀 Trinity Sunday celebrates the doctrine of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and the unity of Jesus as part of this divine relationship.
• 😀 The doctrine of the Trinity is foundational to understanding the role of Jesus in salvation—his incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on how the Church celebrates the sending of the Holy Spirit, particularly during Pentecost, as part of the divine mission of redemption.

Q & A

What is the significance of Jesus' statement 'Before Abraham was, I am' in John 8:58?

The statement highlights Jesus' eternal nature, as he identifies himself with the divine 'I am' from Exodus 3:14, emphasizing that he existed before Abraham and is not bound by time. This assertion is a direct claim to divinity, which leads to the Jewish leaders attempting to stone him for blasphemy.

How does the speaker connect Jesus' statement in John 8:58 to the Old Testament?

The speaker connects Jesus' statement to God's declaration in Exodus 3:14, where God refers to himself as 'I AM.' This phrase signifies God's eternal existence and unchanging nature, which the speaker asserts is the same essence attributed to Jesus.

What does the term 'I AM' represent in the context of the Bible?

'I AM' represents the eternal, self-existent nature of God. It is a declaration of God's timeless and unchanging reality, not bound by past, present, or future. Jesus uses this term to identify himself with God, affirming his divine identity.

Why do the Jewish leaders react by attempting to stone Jesus after his statement?

The Jewish leaders believe Jesus blasphemed by claiming to be God. According to Jewish law, making such a claim would be considered blasphemy unless the person was indeed divine. Their reaction of picking up stones reflects their intent to execute Jesus for this perceived offense.

What is the theological significance of the Trinity in relation to this passage?

The concept of the Trinity is significant because it reflects the Christian belief in God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus' claim to eternal existence aligns with the Trinitarian understanding, where the Son (Jesus) is fully God, eternal, and one with the Father.

What does the speaker mean by 'I am the eternal God' in the context of this passage?

The speaker is affirming that Jesus' declaration of 'I am' identifies him as the eternal God, whose existence predates all creation, including Abraham. This aligns Jesus' identity with the eternal nature of God as described in the Old Testament.

How does the speaker relate the concept of eternal existence to Abraham?

The speaker highlights that God’s covenant with Abraham, described in Genesis 17, is associated with the eternal 'I AM' phrase, linking it to Jesus' divine identity. This connection suggests that Jesus, as the eternal God, was present in the covenant with Abraham.

What role does the speaker suggest the Holy Spirit plays in the Christian faith, based on the transcript?

The Holy Spirit, as referenced by the speaker, plays a crucial role in the Christian faith by empowering believers and guiding them after Jesus' ascension. The speaker mentions Pentecost as the moment when the Holy Spirit was sent to the disciples to continue Christ's mission on earth.

How does the speaker explain the theological purpose of Trinity Sunday?

Trinity Sunday serves to affirm the Christian belief in the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It celebrates the understanding that God exists in three persons, and the speaker encourages reflection on the unity and distinctiveness of the three in the Christian faith.

What is the significance of the speaker’s closing prayer?

The closing prayer in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit reinforces the speaker's focus on the Trinity and offers a blessing for the listeners, tying together the theological themes of the video and emphasizing God's eternal nature and presence in the lives of believers.