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March

Jesus says, “I AM”

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In the Gospel from today’s Mass (John 8:51-59), Jesus definitively states that He is God:

[51] Truly, truly, I say to you, if any one keeps my word, he will never see death.” [52] The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, as did the prophets; and you say, `If any one keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ [53] Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you claim to be?” [54] Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing; it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say that he is your God. [55] But you have not known him; I know him. If I said, I do not know him, I should be a liar like you; but I do know him and I keep his word. [56] Your father Abraham rejoiced that he was to see my day; he saw it and was glad.” [57] The Jews then said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” [58] Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” [59] So they took up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.

Jesus makes a definitive declarative statement about His Divinity. Consider:
  • Jesus says, “”Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
  • This is a powerful statement of absolute clarity:  Jesus begins with saying, “Truly, truly…” The repetition of the words is for emphasis and to ensure that the people are listening.  This is not some idle statement, nor a throw-away line.  When Jesus repeats Himself, pay special attention.
  • The words, “I AM” are a reference to the divine name of God, “YHWH”; this is the name that was heard by Moses in the burning bush (Exod 3:14).  The name, also called the tetragrammaton (from the Greek meaning “4 letters”) and was considered to be so sacred, that the Jews did not use or say the word out loud.  So holy was the word YHWH that they substituted the word Adonai, or in english texts, LORD.
  • Not only does Jesus say “I AM” out loud, but He claims that He is “I AM”.
  • The Jews got the meaning and sought to kill Jesus for blasphemy by stoning Him to death.

There are many, including atheists and those from other religions, who like to claim that Jesus never said He was God.  They are ignorant and incorrect.

In this declarative statement, Jesus says clearly that He is God.  And He is.

If you are having trouble believing this, pray with an open soul that Christ might give you the Grace to believe.

He answers all prayers.  After all, He is the Great I AM.

xfast.mobi

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