Some say Jesus was just a prophet, others say He was a second divine being. But when Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58), what did He mean?
Let’s walk carefully through this.
🔹 Jesus Didn’t Say “I Was” — He Said “I Am”
In normal grammar, we would expect someone to say:
“Before Abraham was, I was.”
But Jesus didn’t say that. He used the name “I AM” — the exact phrase God used when speaking to Moses at the burning bush:
“Tell them I AM has sent you.” (Exodus 3:14)
This was not just a claim of age or time. It was a declaration of identity.
🔹 The People Understood What He Meant — That’s Why They Picked Up Stones
Right after Jesus said “Before Abraham was, I am,” the crowd picked up stones to kill Him. Why?
Because they knew He was making Himself equal with God — not as another being or assistant — but claiming the very name of God.
This was serious. To them, it was blasphemy.
But to Jesus, it was truth.
🔹 God Appeared Before — Now He Has Come in the Flesh
Throughout the Old Testament, God appeared in different forms:
A burning bush
A pillar of fire
A still small voice
An angel who spoke as God Himself (Judges 13:22)
These were not separate beings — it was one God showing Himself in ways people could understand.
Now, in Jesus, that same God walked among us, clothed in flesh.
🔹 Example: The Voice Behind the Curtain
Imagine a great leader always speaking to his people behind a curtain. They hear His voice, they see signs, but never His face.
One day, He steps out from behind the curtain. Same voice. Same authority. But now, the people can see Him.
Some say, “This must be someone else — not the one we used to hear!”
But those who truly knew His voice say, “This is Him. He has come to us.”
This is what happened when Jesus came.
Not another divine person — but the same God stepping into time.
🔹 The Same God, Fully Seen
The Bible says:
“No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son… has declared Him.” (John 1:18)
“In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” (Colossians 2:9)
Jesus didn’t come to introduce another divine being.
He came to reveal the One true God.
The One who spoke to Moses — the “I AM” — is the same One who walked in Galilee, healed the sick, raised the dead, and gave His life for all.
✅ Conclusion
When Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I am,” He wasn’t pointing to a second being beside God.
He was revealing who He truly is — the God who was, who is, and who came to dwell among us.
Not a part of God. Not one-third.
But the I AM — fully revealed.