9. Before Abraham Comes to Be, I Am; John 8:58

Jesus said to them, Verily, verily, I say to you, Before Abraham comes to be, I am.

This verse is often associated with the pre-existence of the Son, because it is consistently read as: “…before Abraham was, I am.” That reading would present no difficulty, for in that case, Jesus would be referring (as previously argued) to “the Word” that became flesh. Before Abraham existed, the Word of God already was. Abraham also walked by the light of that Word.

The point, however, is that upon closer examination, this verse does not refer to Abraham in the past at all. It (literally) says: “Before Abraham becomes, I am…”—present tense. Abraham once lived. He is now dead, but he will yet be (alive)—that is to say, he will be raised. Jesus is referring to the resurrection, which Abraham also looked forward to (v. 56). But before that takes place, Jesus Himself will rise from the dead—as the Firstfruit.

Abraham will become because, in the grave, he will hear the voice of the Son of God and rise (John 5:25). Hence, “…before Abraham becomes, I am.”

Delen: