Who Do You Think You Are

John 8:48-59,New International Version

Jesus’ Claims About Himself

48 The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?”

49 “I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. 50 I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51 Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”

52 At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”

54 Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”

57 “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!”

58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” 59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

Introduction:  

“Everyone,” say with me, “invective.”

noun

vehement or violent denunciation, censure, or reproach.

a railing accusation; vituperation.

an insulting or abusive word or expression.

adjective

vituperative; denunciatory; censoriously abusive.

Jesus models for us how to transcend the traps of abusive language and entrapping personalities:  

1. Jesus is clear about Who he is (ego eimi - the absolute “I am”).  

1. Jesus is clear about Who he is not

1. Jesus is clear about what He brings to the Table

1. Jesus is clear about Who he brings to the table