“Before Abraham was, I AM” [John 8:58]
Jesus used the same set of words used by GOD to Moses in Exodus 3:14 [God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' “]; This implies that Jesus is GOD.
This verse also proves Jesus’ pre-existence before the creation and thereby confirms his divine status.
Below are a few points for contemplation:
1) In the English translation, both verses are the same “I AM”. But Exodus is written in Hebrew & John is written in Greek – and in actuality are two distinctly different words. In Hebrew, GOD uses the word “Hayah” http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Exd&c=3&v=14&t=KJV#conc/14 ; and in Greek, Jesus uses the word “Ego Eimi” http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=8&v=1&t=KJV#conc/58 . Hence, to claim that Jesus used the exact same words in Exodus is not entirely accurate!
Jesus used the same set of words used by GOD to Moses in Exodus 3:14 [God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' “]; This implies that Jesus is GOD.
This verse also proves Jesus’ pre-existence before the creation and thereby confirms his divine status.
Below are a few points for contemplation:
1) In the English translation, both verses are the same “I AM”. But Exodus is written in Hebrew & John is written in Greek – and in actuality are two distinctly different words. In Hebrew, GOD uses the word “Hayah” http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Exd&c=3&v=14&t=KJV#conc/14 ; and in Greek, Jesus uses the word “Ego Eimi” http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=8&v=1&t=KJV#conc/58 . Hence, to claim that Jesus used the exact same words in Exodus is not entirely accurate!
2) The phrase “Ego Eimi” or “I AM” is used many times in the New Testament. For e.g.
a. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. [Acts 26:29] [http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Act&c=26&v=29&t=KJV#conc/29]
b. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am [Christ]; and shall deceive many. [Mark 13:6] [http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mar&c=13&v=1&t=KJV#conc/6]
c. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? [ Mark 26:22][ http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=26&v=1&t=KJV#conc/22]
d. Some said, This is he: others [said], He is like him: [but] he said, I am [he]. [John 9:9] [http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=9&v=9&t=KJV#conc/9]
Based on the above criteria, Paul, the disciples and the beggar would also be GOD, since they all said “Ego Eimi”
a. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. [Acts 26:29] [http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Act&c=26&v=29&t=KJV#conc/29]
b. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am [Christ]; and shall deceive many. [Mark 13:6] [http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mar&c=13&v=1&t=KJV#conc/6]
c. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? [ Mark 26:22][ http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=26&v=1&t=KJV#conc/22]
d. Some said, This is he: others [said], He is like him: [but] he said, I am [he]. [John 9:9] [http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=9&v=9&t=KJV#conc/9]
Based on the above criteria, Paul, the disciples and the beggar would also be GOD, since they all said “Ego Eimi”
3) A figurative meaning – There is absolutely no doubt that Jesus “figuratively” existed in Abraham’s time. Jesus says “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day and he saw it and was glad”. How did Abraham see the day of the Christ? SIMPLE!!! GOD revealed it to him since GOD is ALL KNOWING. Thus, in the infinite wisdom of GOD, Christ certainly existed before Abraham. This is inline with GOD’s similar revelation to Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
