John 8:48-59
Sermon Response
BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS, I AM
The Text: Read John 8:48-59
The final words of a multiple day conversation between Jesus and Jewish worshipers. The crowd is hostile because Jesus just said that they do not know God and that they are children of Satan. The crowd’s words are directed at Jesus and they are pointed. They claims that Jesus is demon-possessed. Jesus states that if you follow His word you will live forever, He claims to be greater than Abraham, and He finishes the section by stating that He is the great “I AM” (the covenant name of God). Jesus finishes by making the most clear statement of his divinity as can be found in the gospels. At this the people pick up rocks to stone him.
Discuss:
Why do the people think Jesus is demon possessed and from
Samaria?
What does Jesus mean when he says that Abraham looked forward to Jesus’ day?
Why did Jesus choose to identify himself as “I AM”?
Why did the people pick up rocks to stone Him?
Respond:
When was the first time you remember being faced with the truth
that Jesus is God? How did you respond?
Why do you think some “religious” people respond negatively to the truth that Jesus is God?
I stated that I don’t think many today would pick up rocks when faced with Jesus, but many do refuse to believe because they already have a “god” in their life... What is you mini-god that can keep you from trusting Jesus as the Lord and God of your life? What will you do about this?
How do you help others see their need for Jesus? Will you commit to engaging in a conversation with them?
Prayer
God you are God. Your Son Jesus is equal with you and has come to this earth so that we might believe in and follow Him. God help us see our daily need for Jesus! Let us surrender to Jesus and place our full trust in him. Let no other gods keep us from loving, serving, and delighting in you, the great I AM.