Day 20

“You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!” “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” - John 8:57-58 (NIV)

To give these verses some context, Jesus is teaching in front of a crowd of Pharisees and other local Jews who have begun questioning who He really is - claiming that he may be a Samaritan or demon-possessed. Jesus goes on to tell them that He has been sent by God and whoever obeys His teaching will never see death (John 8:51), to which the Jews proclaim that He really must be demon-possessed because their father Abraham died as well as the prophets so who is He to be claiming that He can defeat death? Who is this man that is claiming to be greater than Abraham?

Jesus goes on to tell them that “Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing His day; he saw it and was glad.” (John 8:56) Now the people of the crowd are really riled up because they knew that Jesus was a middle-aged man and there was no way He was old enough to have personally seen Abraham, to which Jesus replies, “Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58)

Why is it significant that Jesus said this? If you’re unsure, read Exodus 3:1-14, paying close attention to verse 14.

Prayer:

Gracious Lord, as I contemplate the wonder of the incarnation, my heart is filled with awe and gratitude. In the quiet of this moment, I reflect on the character of Christ—His humility in becoming human, His boundless love, and the redemptive purpose woven into His every step. May I, too, embody the qualities of Christ: compassion for the marginalized, a servant's heart, and unwavering faith. In this season of reflection, let Your incarnate presence inspire me to live with purpose, love without reservation, and follow in the footsteps of the One who is both Savior and example. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.