March 21
Scripture of the day: "The Jews said to Him, 'Abraham died, and the prophets also; and You say, "If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste of death." Surely You are not greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets died too; whom do You make Yourself out to be?' Jesus answered, 'If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me ... Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.' So the Jews said to Him, 'You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?' Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.' Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him" John 8:51-59
Thought of the day: The Jews thought of Abraham when Jesus said, "If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste of death." Abraham lived and died about 2,000 years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem. They connected the claims of Jesus to the life and death of Abraham. They asked Jesus if He was greater than Abraham, who died. And they asked, "Have You seen Abraham? ... Whom do you make yourself out to be?"
Challenge of the day: Think about this paraphrase of His answers: "Did I see Abraham? He saw Me ... and rejoiced. Whom do I claim to be? I am the I am". His words forced them to decide ... was He a blasphemer or the great I am? Would they be for Him or against Him? They picked up stones. Are we for Him or against Him? Are we picking up stones or laying down sacrifices?
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