Steven A. Bush - June 18, 2017
God the Son is I AM
John 8:58 records Jesus making one of the most astounding claims to Deity in all the New Testament: “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” Every Jewish leader in earshot of this assertion considered it blasphemous and they picked up stones to take Jesus out. Our Lord's claim harkened back to Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush. When Moses asked God what His name was, He replied, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (See Exodus 3:14) Of course if Jesus had not been God incarnate when He said, "Before Abraham was, I Am" then the charge of blasphemy and sentence to stoning would have been justified under the Law of Moses. Yet those who picked up stones had no clue Who was standing before them. But instead of a guilty man dying of stoning that day, this Innocent Man would soon take our guilt and shame upon Himself and die on a cross, the Righteous One for the unrighteous, God the Son for sinful man. Divinity became the sacrifice for humanity. Therefore, drop your stones and bow your knees, for Jesus Christ is LORD!