Jesus and Abraham

Reflections

Jesus and Abraham

April 1, 2009, 5:32pm

John 8:51-59

Jesus said to the Jews, “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps My word will never see death.” [So] the Jews said to Him, “Now we are sure that You are possessed. Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps My word will never taste death.’ Are You greater than our father Abraham, who died? Or the prophets, who died? Who do You make Yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory is worth nothing; but it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ You do not know Him, but I know Him. And if I should say that I do not know Him, I would be like You a liar. But I do know Him and I keep His word. Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old and You have seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.” So they picked up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area.

Reflection

Misunderstanding: The gospel according to John contains many instances when Jesus’ words are misunderstood.

Here, the Jews are incredulous: How can one so young claim to have seen their greatest ancestor? By the phrase “not yet fifty years old,” they are stressing the years between Jesus and Abraham rather than giving any evidence of Jesus’ age during His public ministry. Through the whole discussion, they remain deaf to the meaning of Jesus’ words.

Also referred to by John as the opponents of Jesus, the Jews are consistent in their unbelief. Ultimately, it is their ignorance in regard to the identity of Jesus and His mission that keeps them from believing in Him. In consequence, they are prevented from savoring the gift of eternal life that comes only with understanding his life-living word.

Source: “365 Days with the Lord,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.)