JESUS IS THE IMMORTAL TIMELESS ONE
To look at Jesus'
life is to "see how God wishes us to live."
We
read a mysterious saying today in Scripture that reads, "Before Abraham
came to be, I AM" (Jn. 8:58). Our Bibles often print those words, "I
AM," in bold, capital letters. It's certainly an attempt to get our
attention, don't you think? The words "I AM" remind you and me that
God's sacred name revealed to Moses is interpreted in the Old Testament as
"I am who am." So by using these words, Jesus Christ is claiming to
be God. "I AM" means that God has always existed, so Jesus says, "I
knew Abraham." The deeper meaning of this name of God is, "I am the
one who is always present, the one who is always with you." God our Father
says, "This is truth, for it's my name: the One Who Is with You." God
remembers the covenant promises forever, just as we acclaim in today's psalm
(Ps 105:8).
God
made us to know Him and to be united with Him, and He gives us the gift of
faith and understanding to grow. This is all accomplished through Christ Jesus.
Jesus again challenges the people of Israel to accept His word as the very
revelation of God Himself. Jesus' claim challenged the very foundation of their
belief and understanding in God, and still does today. Jesus made a series of unique claims which
are the very foundation of His life and mission. Since He claims to be in
direct personal communion with His Father in heaven, He knows everything. Jesus
is the only way to full knowledge of the mind and heart of God. Jesus also
claimed unique obedience to God. Jesus thinks, lives, and acts in the knowledge
of God's word. To look at Jesus' life is to "see how God wishes us to
live."
Jesus
Christ was not just a man who came, lived, died, and then rose again. He is the
immortal timeless One, who always was and always will be.