The Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. (John 8:57-59 ESV)
Jesus’ contentious dialogue with the Jewish leaders reaches its climax at the end of chapter 8: “So they picked up stones to throw at him.” They’re obviously upset by what Jesus said, and in their judgment his words make him worthy of a sentence of death.
On the surface, Jesus’ words don’t seem so controversial. A bit odd, perhaps, since he’s claiming to have seen a man that’s been dead for centuries. Clearly, his words carry a deeper meaning… a meaning that isn’t lost on his hearers… a meaning that drives them into a murderous rage.
These Jewish leaders know their Torah, and Jesus’ words are all too familiar. Read Exodus 3:13-15 and you’ll see what an outrageous claim Jesus is making. It’s outrageous… unless it’s true. If it’s true, then it’s breathtaking, awe-inspiring… and life-altering.
No comments:
Post a Comment