I Am | Day 9

Have you ever been so sure you were right about something, only to realize later that you completely missed the truth that was right in front of you?

In John 8, the Pharisees were having exactly that kind of moment. They had their scriptures memorized, their traditions perfected, their theology airtight. Then Jesus came along and challenged everything they assumed. His words didn’t just surprise them; they shook the very foundation of their religious certainty. 

Everything came to a breaking point when Jesus said:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am” – John 8:58. 

The Pharisees knew exactly what Jesus meant. This wasn’t poetic language. He was claiming a name so sacred (or special) that devout Jews wouldn’t even speak it aloud. 

“I Am” was what God called Himself from the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). By using the same name Jesus was saying He is God himself, standing there in human form. Instead of believing Him, they picked up stones. They chose anger instead of worship. 

What makes this even sadder is that the Pharisees loved calling themselves “children of Abraham.” God had promised Abraham that through his family, the whole world would be blessed (Genesis 12:2-3). But the true blessing — the Savior who would bring hope to every nation — was standing right in front of them, and they did not recognize him. 

Before we judge them too harshly, though, we should ask: How often do we prefer a god who fits our expectations over the God who actually is? 

Jesus’s words, “I Am,” still matter greatly today. They remind us that Jesus does not change. He already knows and sees everything — past, present, and future. 

• When you’re terrified you’ve made an irreversible mistake, Jesus is already in that future. 
• When shame tells you your past disqualifies you, Jesus still chose the cross for you. 
• When today feels heavy, Jesus is fully present with you right now. 

Only the God who always is could become human to rescue us. Only He could bridge the impossible gap between our brokenness and His holiness. 

The Pharisees had a choice that day. They could hang onto their comfortable certainties, or they could trust Jesus for who He truly is. The Pharisees chose stones, but we don’t have to. 

We can surrender our plans, our pride, and our need to understand everything and instead rest in the arms of I Am. He calls us not to shape Him into what we want, but to trust Him completely. 

Reflection Question

• Have you ever been so sure you were right about something, only to find out later you were wrong? What did that feel like, and what can it teach us about listening to Jesus? 
• The Pharisees missed Jesus because they thought they already knew everything about God. Is there an area where you might need to ask Jesus show you something new? 

Prayer

Jesus, help me not to hold onto my own ideas so tightly that I miss what You’re trying to show me. Give me a humble heart that listens, learns, and follows You. You are the great I Am, and I want to trust You with everything. Amen. 

Family Activity (Optional):

“I Am is With Me” Timeline: One a piece of paper or poster board, draw a simple timeline with three sections: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow. As a family, write or draw things that fit into each section: 

• Something hard or sad from yesterday 
• Something happening today 
• Something you’re worried or excited about tomorrow 

Next, across the top of the timeline, write “I Am is with me.” Talk briefly about how Jesus is not only in every moment but already sees and knows it all. 

Name Above All Names | Day 9 | Advent 2025