John – Chapter 8:48-59
8:48-50 “Before Abraham was, I AM” – This section continues the previous, however with a different viewpoint of Abraham. The Jews cut off any meaningful conversation with their question, “You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Not only do they assert that Jesus is presenting a false religion like that of Mount Gerazim but that He is under the captivity of the devil. But ultimately, as He honors His Father, the Father will be vindicated in the judgment realized at the cross (see 12:28; 17:4). v. 51 “Never see death” – Just as Jesus’ Word reveal those who are God and who is of the father of lies (v.44ff), so also His Word will be validated by those who keep it. Just as He said in v.31 “continue in my word,” here he says, “keep my word.” The first “continue” means to follow and the second “keep” means to guard and protect. To abandon or be negligent with the Word is to abandon or neglect Jesus (see 15:20; 17:6). In v. 32, the promised fruit is knowledge of the truth, and here it is never undergoing death. Those who have Jesus’ Word already have eternal life. Death is now behind them. When they die, they will not be handed over to death. Jesus lays bare with his forceful and yet simple statement the conflict between the Jews and Himself. Yet, even as it convicts the Jews, it is for both them and us a gracious invitation. v. 52-53 “Who do you make yourself out to be?” – Now they are completely persuaded that Jesus is possessed. Abraham is offered as proof that Jesus has spoken falsehood. Abraham died and this is strongest proof of the inevitability of death. And the prophets died, too. So, how can Jesus’ Word safeguard anyone if it didn’t guard Abraham and Prophets? Jesus is going against all that the Jews consider holy and unchangeable and forms the basis of their religion and existence as a nation. They accuse Him of arrogance and self-conceit, like in 5:18, “making Himself equal with God” (see also 10:33; 19:7). Who can overcome death by God alone! v. 54-55 – Again, Jesus rejects their accusation and appeals to the Father. If they knew the Father, they would recognize Jesus’ Word and deeds. Jesus is not saying that they worship a different God but that they…