February 23
Bible Reading: John 8:48-59
John 8:58-59, “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.’ So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.”
We all have desperate need of Jesus. The only question is to what extent we realize that? Fortunately, Jesus is all-sufficient and full capable of fulfilling all our soul needs and desires. Recall that this gospel account proves, by the seven recorded miracles, that Jesus is the divine Son of God. John’s gospel account also includes seven “I Am” statements, which likewise affirm this truth:
- I am the bread of life (John 6:35, 48, 51).
- I am the light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5).
- I am the door of the sheep (John 10:7, 9).
- I am the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14).
- I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).
- I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
- I am the true vine (John 15:1).
This chapter contains two of these “I Am” statements (John 8:12, 58). The phrase, “I Am,” was a statement related to God’s self-identification to Moses in Exodus 3:14: “I am who I am.” In using the phrase, Jesus declares Himself to be God. That the Jews understood Him to be saying that is clear in their response. They picked up stones to throw at Him because they did not accept His claim.
The phrase “I am” also speaks to Jesus’ self-existence and self-sufficiency. “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58) reminds us that Jesus is the eternal Son. He has always been and will always be. He created all things and holds all things together (John 1:3; Colossians 1:17). He is self-sufficient. He has need of nothing! But we are neither self-existence nor self-sufficient. We are dependent upon Him for all things, including our very next breath.
Consider again the sufficiency of Christ. Are you distressed and afraid in the pervasive darkness which rules this world? The Light of the World can shine into your darkness and lead you to safety. Have you struggled to find purpose and meaning in life? Jesus, the Bread of Life, will satisfy the deepest longings of your heart. Have you grown weary of walking down dead end paths which lead only to trouble and heartache? Jesus, the Way and the Truth and the Life, will bring You into a right relationship with God. Are you fearful of what’s going to happen to you after you die? Jesus, the resurrection and the life, has conquered sin and death and He can do the same for you. Do you need someone to lead you and watch over you, as you journey in this trouble-filled world? Jesus, the Good Shepherd, will watch over your soul! Do you want your life to truly matter, bearing fruit of eternal significance? He will accomplish this in and through you! When you abide in Him.
“We are poor, leaking vessels, and the only way for us to keep full is to put our pitcher under the perpetual flow of boundless grace. Then, despite its leakage, the cup will always be full to the brim.”—Charles Spurgeon
WONDERFUL GRACE OF JESUS
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
greater than all my sin;
how shall my tongue describe it,
where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
setting my spirit free,
for the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Refrain:
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
deeper than the mighty rolling sea,
higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,
all sufficient grace for even me;
broader than the scope of my transgressions, sing it!
greater far than all my sin and shame.
O magnify the precious name of Jesus, praise his name!
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
reaching to all the lost,
by it I have been pardoned,
saved to the uttermost.
Chains have been torn asunder,
giving me liberty,
for the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me. [Refrain]
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
reaching the most reviled,
by its transforming power
making me God’s dear child,
purchasing peace and heaven
for all eternity,
for the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me. [Refrain]
LookingtoJesus 