365 Ways to Know God by Elmer Towns July 09

365 Ways to Know God by Elmer Towns

(Devotional Readings on the Names of God)

July 09

JESUS: GREAT THAN OUR FATHER ABRAHAM

"Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are

 dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?" Then the Jews said to Him, "You

are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them,

"Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM."

JOHN 8:53,57-58

Abraham was one of the greatest patriarchs in the Old Testament. He is the father of Israel, for all Jews came from him. Of all Old Testament believers, Abraham perhaps had the greatest faith in God. He is known as the friend of God (see 2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23); and God called him, "My friend" (Isaiah 41:8). But Jesus is Greater than Our Father Abraham because Jesus is the great I AM; He is God.

Jesus, You are greater than the Old Testament fathers; You are greater than the

angels. You are my Lord and Savior; You are the Lord God of the Universe.

The Jewish leaders rejected Jesus even though they witnessed His miracles. They refused to accept Jesus, even though He proved to them from the Scriptures who He was (see Matthew 21:23-22:46). The Jewish leaders called Jesus a sinner, accused Him of being born out of wedlock (see John 8:41), attributed His miracles to Satan (see Matthew 12:24) and said He had a devil (John 8:52). They sarcastically asked, "Are You greater than our father Abraham?" (v. 53). Jesus replied, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day'' (v. 56). They said, "You're not fifty years old; how could you see Abraham?" (see v. 57). Jesus answered, "Before Abraham was, I AM" (v. 58). In response, they picked up stones to kill Him. What is your response to the One who is Greater than Our Father Abraham? You must either pick up stones to cast at Him or fall at His feet to worship Him.

Jesus, I fall at Your feet to worship You. You are

 the great I AM, the Eternal God of the Ages. Amen.

Reading: John 8:37-59

Key Thought: Because Jesus is greater than Abraham, you must worship Him as the great I

 AM.