Sunday 5th November
Read John 8:57-59
“‘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.” (NIVUK)
Throughout Jesus’ interactions with the Jews during the Feast He repeatedly drew attention to His obedience to the Father. Traditionally the Temple was located at the place Abraham offered Isaac to Yahweh unreservedly and obediently. He maintains they are not children of Abraham whilst standing in the place Abraham demonstrated his obedience fully. Their disobedience is evident for all to see.
Abraham looked forward, by faith, to the day where his seed would bring blessing and joy to all.
“So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.’ 15 The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, ‘I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.’” (Genesis 22:14-18) (NIVUK)
That seed now stands where Abraham received that promise, and it will be through His obedience that all the earth will be blessed indeed. Jesus is far greater than Abraham.
