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Outline:

John 8:46-51, “Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.’ Then the Jews answered and said to Him, ‘Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?’ Jesus answered, ‘I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges. Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.’”

John 8:52-53, “Then the Jews said to Him, ‘Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; (this was actually false) and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?’” (Theologically these men don’t understand what Jesus is saying about death.)

John 8:54-58, “Jesus answered, ‘If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.’ Then the Jews said, ‘You are not yet 50 years old, and have You seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.’”

Though last Sunday we addressed the significance of Jesus’ incredible statement, “Before Abraham was, I AM” this morning I want to unpack what Jesus meant when He said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad!”

Naturally, two questions emerge… First, what did Jesus mean when He said, “My day?” Clearly, using the personal pronoun “My” Jesus is referencing a specific “day” of incredible significance to Him. This was a “day” not particular to Abraham, but one in which Abraham “saw” and came to understand it’s importance — it’s why he “rejoiced and was glad.”

Secondly, when did “Abraham see it and rejoice?” Though there are varying opinions about this particular topic, in trying to connect this reference back to a story recorded in Genesis (keep in mind John pulls many of his theme’s directly form the Genesis of Grace) — It’s important you not forget the context of the statement is death and resurrection.

With this in mind, I think the only occurrence and known interaction between Abraham and Jesus recorded in Genesis that plays on these important ideas is found in Genesis 22!

Genesis 22:1-2, “Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then He said, ‘Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.’”

For context, it’s important to point out it’s been approximately 25 to 30 years since God had given Abraham and Sarah the promised child they named Isaac. This means as you turn to Genesis 22 Abraham is now around 130 years old and Isaac is pushing 30.

Imagine this incredible season of life Abraham and Sarah have been enjoying. Not only have they settled into the land God had given them… Not only are they enjoying peace with their neighbors… Not only has there been calm in the home since Hagar and Ishmael left, but Abraham and Sarah are savoring the son they waited all those years to have!

After 90 long years Sarah is relishing the opportunity to be a mom… To be needed… To selflessly care and love her miracle baby. As Isaac grows up Abraham is thrilled for the opportunity to teach his son about the Lord. There is no doubt Isaac understands the significance of his birth (he’s the only toddler in Sunday school who’s parents are card carrying members of the AARP). Regardless, Isaac’s spiritual heritage is profoundly rich.

Life is grand. For the first time they’re experiencing the full-life God had promised them so many years before — the life they’d originally left Ur to inherit. And while all of these things had taken longer than they anticipated to come to fruition (family planning hadn’t worked out like they’d hoped), Ab and Sarah wouldn’t have traded these years with Isaac for anything.

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