JOHN 8:48–59
BEFORE ABRAHAM CAME TO BE, I AM
Text – John 8:48–59
48 The Jews answered and said to him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and are possessed?”
49 Jesus answered, “I am not possessed; I honor my Father, but you dishonor me.
50 I do not seek my own glory; there is one who seeks it and he is the judge.
51 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.”
52 So the Jews said to him, “Now we are sure that you are possessed. Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’
53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? Or the prophets, who died? Who do you make yourself out to be?”
54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’
55 You do not know him, but I know him. And if I should say that I do not know him, I would be like you, a liar. But I do know him and I keep his word.
56 Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.
57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?”
58 Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.”
59 So they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area.
Historical and Jewish Context
Calling Jesus a Samaritan was a grave insult, implying religious impurity and false belief. Claims about never seeing death directly challenged Jewish reverence for Abraham and the prophets. Jesus’ reference to Abraham “seeing” His day reflects Jewish interpretive traditions that saw Abraham as prophetically perceiving God’s future promises. The declaration “I AM” directly echoes the divine name revealed to Moses, making Jesus’ claim unmistakably blasphemous in the eyes of His opponents. Stoning was the prescribed punishment for blasphemy under Jewish law.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage is one of the clearest affirmations of Christ’s divinity in the Gospels. Catholic theology recognizes “I AM” as Jesus’ explicit identification with the eternal God. His promise that those who keep His word will never see death points to eternal life that transcends physical death. The attempted stoning reveals the radical nature of Jesus’ claim and the cost of truth. Christ stands revealed as eternal Son, glorified by the Father and giver of life.
Parallels in Scripture
Exodus 3:14 – The divine name “I AM.”
Genesis 12:1–3 – Abraham rejoicing in God’s promise.
Psalm 90:2 – God’s eternal existence.
John 1:1 – The Word existing from the beginning.
Philippians 2:6 – Christ’s divine equality.
Key Terms
Samaritan – Insult implying false belief.
Keep my word – Faithful obedience.
Never see death – Eternal life in Christ.
Abraham rejoiced – Faith anticipating fulfillment.
I AM – Divine self-revelation.
Stoning – Response to perceived blasphemy.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is proclaimed during Lent, especially near Holy Week, emphasizing the growing hostility toward Jesus and the revelation of His divine identity. The Church uses this passage to deepen faith in Christ’s divinity and eternal nature.
Conclusion
John 8:48–59 culminates Jesus’ self-revelation. He stands not merely as Abraham’s descendant, but as the eternal “I AM.” Faced with divine truth, His hearers must choose faith or rejection. The passage invites believers to confess Christ as Lord and eternal God.
Reflection
Do I truly believe in Jesus as the eternal Son of God?
How do I respond when Christ’s claims challenge my comfort?
Do I keep His word as a path to eternal life?
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, eternal “I AM,” I worship You as true God and true man. Strengthen my faith to confess You boldly and to keep Your word faithfully. May I share in the life You promise, now and forever. Amen.