A reading from the gospel according to John 8:51-59:
51 Jesus said to the Jews: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.”
52 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.’
53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? Or the prophets, who died? Who do you make yourself out to be?”
54 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.’
55 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.
56 Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.”
57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?”
58 Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.”
59 So they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area.
Reflection: Jesus is forever.
Jesus is God the Son. That is the truth that we believe. He was in the beginning, the bible tells us (John 1:1). That is why He claims to exist even before Abraham was born. Yet this was lost among the Jews during His time. They couldn’t believe that the son of a carpenter who is not yet 50 years old had seen Abraham who died many centuries ago. The truth really hurt them so they would rather stone Jesus to death than believe in Him. For us, it is either a privilege to live during His time and experience His physical presence or an embarrassment that a neighbor is claiming to be the Son of God. Perhaps we are one of those who like to stone Him.
If we are one of those who believe in Jesus, we would endeavor to keep His words and walk in His way. His promise is for us not to taste death. Of course, we remain as mortals. Sooner or later, we will leave our physical body but our real self will live forever. Jesus Himself died but He rose again on the third day. Because of our faith in the resurrection, we know that together with the saints and angels, we shall live forever in a boundless sea of love.
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In the gospel reading above, we find Jesus conversing with the Jewish people, revealing timeless truths about faith, identity, and eternal life. He proclaims, “Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.” This statement is not just about the avoidance of physical demise but an invitation to a life beyond the constraints of time and decay, a life filled with purpose, meaning, and a deep connection with the divine.
This passage challenges us to reflect on the essence of true life. It’s an invitation to consider what it means to truly live, not just in the biological sense but in a way that is rich, fulfilling, and eternal. It prompts us to ask ourselves if we are merely surviving or if we are living fully, with our spirits attuned to the timeless wisdom and love that Jesus offers.
Moreover, the discourse delves into the nature of Jesus’ identity and his relationship with the Father, emphasizing that knowing Jesus is to know God Himself. It’s a call to recognize the divine within and around us, to see life not as a series of random events but as a beautifully orchestrated symphony of experiences designed to bring us closer to the eternal truth and love.
In our journey through life, let us embrace the wisdom found in these verses. Let us strive to live in obedience to the words of Jesus, for in doing so, we find a path to a life that transcends the limitations of this world. We are offered a vision of existence that is not bound by time but is eternal, not governed by fear but by love. This passage encourages us to look beyond the horizon of our immediate reality and to see the infinite possibilities that faith in Jesus opens up for us.
Let this gospel passage be a reminder that in every moment of our lives, we have the opportunity to choose to live a life of purpose and eternal significance. Our purpose is to know God and to love Him and our neighbor as well. In doing so, a place has been reserved for us to live forever.
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In this Gospel reading, we encounter a powerful and profound moment in Jesus’ ministry, one that not only reveals His divine identity but also challenges us to examine our faith, our understanding of truth, and our relationship with the eternal God.
“Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.” (John 8:51)
These words from Jesus startled His listeners. To them, such a statement seemed outrageous. How could any man promise that someone would never see death? They pointed to Abraham and the prophets, all revered, faithful servants of God, who had died. So how could Jesus make such a bold claim?
But Jesus was not speaking of physical death. He was offering something far greater: eternal life. Jesus was declaring that those who hear and obey His word, those who trust in Him, would be delivered from the second death, the spiritual death that separates us from God forever. In Him, there is life that death cannot touch.
This moment becomes even more intense as Jesus begins to speak of Abraham. The Jews say to Him, “Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?” (v. 53).
And that’s the central question: Who do you think Jesus is?
Jesus answers not just with words but with a revelation that still echoes in eternity:
“Before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58)
Not “I was,” not “I came before,” but “I am.” In these two words, Jesus identifies Himself with the sacred name God gave to Moses at the burning bush: “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). It was a declaration of eternal existence, of divine nature, of unchanging reality.
In this one breathtaking moment, Jesus proclaims His divinity. He is not merely a teacher or prophet. He is not just a wise man from Nazareth. He is the eternal God, unbound by time, the One who always was, who is, and who is to come.
No wonder the crowd picked up stones to throw at Him—they understood what He was claiming. To them, it was blasphemy. But to those who believe, it is the cornerstone of our faith.
So What Does This Mean for Us Today?
First, it means that Jesus is more than enough for whatever we are facing. He is not limited by our circumstances, not surprised by our failures, and not constrained by time. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. When we call on His name, we are calling on the eternal God who holds all things together.
Second, it means that eternal life is not just a future promise, but a present reality. When we obey Jesus’ words, when we trust in Him, we begin living that eternal life now — a life filled with purpose, peace, and the presence of God. Death may touch our bodies, but it cannot conquer our souls.
Lastly, it calls us to worship Jesus as Lord. He is not just a piece of history. He is the living, eternal “I Am.” That truth calls for more than admiration; it calls for surrender. It calls us to place our lives in His hands, to walk in obedience, and to proclaim His name boldly.
So today, let the words of Jesus echo in your heart:
“Before Abraham was, I am.”
He was there before the world began. He is with you now. He will be with us always. Let us trust Him. Let us follow Him. Let us worship Him. Because in Christ, life wins over death, and the eternal “I Am” walks with us every step of the way.
