Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent – Reflection on John 8:51-59 and the Promise of Eternal Life

Reflect on Jesus's divine identity and promise of eternal life in John 8:51–59. A powerful Lent meditation on faith, truth, and everlasting life.

 

 

The Promise of Eternal Life: Jesus's Discourse with the Jews (John 8:51-59)

During Lent, we reflect on the profound conversation between Jesus and the Jews, focusing on the promise of eternal life given to those who adhere to His word. The Jews question Jesus's authority, disputing His claim that keeping His word will prevent death. They reference the deaths of Abraham and the prophets, disbelieving Jesus's assertion, but Jesus affirms that obeying His word ensures one will never see death.

 

The Promise of Eternal Life and Jewish Skepticism

Jesus emphasizes that whoever keeps his word will never see death, promising eternal life . The Jews express disbelief in Jesus's claim, accusing him of being possessed . They point out that Abraham and the prophets also died, questioning the validity of Jesus's statement . They challenge Jesus's identity and authority, asking, "Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? Or the prophets, who died? Who do you make yourself out to be?" .

 

The Divine Relationship with the Father

Jesus states that glorifying himself is meaningless; only the glory that comes from the Father is significant . The Father, whom the Jews claim as their God, glorifies Jesus . Jesus points out that the Jews do not truly know God, but He knows Him . If He were to deny knowing God, He would be a liar like them . Unlike the Jews, Jesus knows God and keeps His word .

 

Abraham's Joy and Jesus's Divinity

Jesus says that Abraham rejoiced to see His day . Abraham saw Jesus's day and was glad. This statement emphasizes Jesus's pre-existence and divine nature.

 

Eternal Existence and the Jewish Reaction

The Jews question Jesus, asking, "You are not yet fifty years old, and you have seen Abraham?" . Jesus emphatically declares, "Before Abraham came to be, I AM" , emphasizing His eternal nature. The Jews, provoked by Jesus's powerful statement, pick up stones to throw at Him . Despite the threat of violence, Jesus hides and leaves the temple area .

 

Through this reflection, we deeply consider Jesus's divinity and the eternal life promised to those who follow Him. During Lent, we are invited to contemplate Jesus's words and live a life that follows His teachings.