Making Claims...

53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ 55 But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. (John 8)
Claims. I've had enough of them for this week.  We have insurance claims, claims made by advertizing, and claims of politicians.  But this claim I like. I know it is true, and it makes a profound difference in my life - my eternal life. Jesus claimed to pre-exist Abraham, making himself more than a mere man. And He used wording which made it clear: He was claiming to be God. That is why He could speak with authority, perform miracles, and offer salvation. His claims were true, and beneficial to all who would listen, trust, and receive them.  His claims also make us who are His followers pause to examine any claims we make. Are they true, to be trusted? Are they consistent with what we do and who we are?  May our claims be like His.