Show Don't Tell: John 8:48-59

Instead of saying "Jesus claimed divine existence before Abraham," hear the stones lifted. The Jews answer: "Aren't we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?" "I am not possessed by a demon, but I honor my Father and you dishonor me... Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death." "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. Are you greater than our father Abraham? Who do you think you are?" "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me... Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad." "You are not yet fifty years old, and you have seen Abraham!" "Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!" At this, they pick up stones to stone him, but Jesus hides himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. "I am"—the divine name. They understand exactly what he claims.