The conversation between Jesus and the Jews that was filled with unfounded accusations from the Jews and godly responses from Jesus. The dialogue has proved to be rich with kingdom principles that apply to the natural and spiritual man alike. Jesus' deity gives Him complete authority to tell us how to live our lives.

Jesus’ Claim to Deity
Before Abraham Was, I Am
John 8: 48-59 NKJV
Before Abraham Was, I Am
Joh 8:48 Then the Jews answered and said to Him, "Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?"
Joh 8:49 Jesus answered, "I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me.
Joh 8:50 And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges.
Joh 8:51 Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death."
Joh 8:52 Then the Jews said to Him, "Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, 'If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.'
Joh 8:53 Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?"
Joh 8:54 Jesus answered, "If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God.
Joh 8:55 Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, 'I do not know Him,' I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word.
Joh 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad."
Joh 8:57 Then the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?"
Joh 8:58 Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM."
Joh 8:59 Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

Related Scriptures: Exodus 3: 13-15; John 5: 31-37;
John 7: 16-18, 28-29; Revelation 1: 5-8


1. What were the two accusations they made against Jesus?
2. Which charge did Jesus respond to?
3. What did Jesus say about seeking glory (vs. 50)?
4. What surprising thing did Jesus say next (vs. 51)?
5.Why did the leaders think Jesus’ claim was preposterous, even demonic?
6. Why did Jesus say before Abraham was, I AM” rather than “I was” (vs. 58)?
7. How did the leaders react to that statement? Why?

Church Online: Charlene’s Outreach Ministries
Union Gospel Press
Believers Bible Commentary
esword.com
John Wesley
Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
Matthew Henry Commentary
Robert Hawker
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/
http://www.bible-studys.org/index