June 15, 2025 

Today's Reading: John 8:48-59

Daily Lectionary: Numbers 35:9-30; Acts 1:1-7:60; Luke 24:28-53

“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.’” (John 8:58)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

It's weird how happy folks were that Abraham was dead. They prefer their patriarch dead to win a fight. They have something they think is more valuable. Wealth, stability, power, ego. They’ll march over the bones of Abraham to keep it and quote the Bible while they do. Genesis 25:8. “Abraham breathed his last and died.” Just… Without context. And so without the promise that He still lives. 

Hear Jesus’ condemnation of them for what it is. We have the same idols. So when we see how happy the Jews are to have a dead Abraham if it means keeping their wealth and status, maybe we should be uncomfortable. It says plenty about our own priorities. More often than not, people’s big issue with religion is not so much the idea of faith, but what it might mean. The Jews could convict Jesus of no sin yet called His teachings demonic. His greatest promise is also the biggest threat. They already have their king in Ceasar. In wealth. If that has to be built over the bones of the patriarchs and the prophets, that’s just called progress. But Jesus dares to ask. What if there's more than just this life? Progress? Wealth? Power? He promises something that cuts to the heart of everything that sinners would build. If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death. 

The scriptures point to a Jesus who wants to bear the cross to save sinners, not reward those who think well of themselves with happiness. That’s great in theory, but as it turns out, that might clash with some of your plans. If God is actually here to give you that salvation, it calls into question why so many things seem to come before His word. Treasure God’s word above all. But the thing about Christ is, even when He isn’t our treasure, we are His. Time and time again, He shows up and promises life to people who have other things going on. To Abraham, who had country, lands, and family; to the Jews, who had wealth and status; and to you. Each time, His call isn’t to have less, but more. 

Remember who Jesus is. Before Abraham was, I AM. He is the God who saved Abraham. Who spoke to Moses and called Himself I AM. A name so holy it was not spoken. That’s why they tried to stone Him. Not because He said He was old. Because He said He was God. But even this is a gift. It gives remembrance of fulfilled promises past, and certainty that future ones will be fulfilled, too. To what He must do for you. Die. Rise. Save. Abraham rejoiced to see this day because he was saved by Christ. Brought through death to life. That’s yours, too. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty and everlasting God, You have given us grace to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity by the confession of a true faith and to worship the Unity in the power of the Divine Majesty. Keep us steadfast in this faith and defend us from all adversities; for You, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and forever.

- Rev. Harrison Goodman, Higher Things Executive Director of Mission and Theology.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

In Clarifying the Great Commission, Rev. Daniel Christian Voth identifies common omissions from our collective understanding of Jesus’ farewell discourse—omissions that turn Christ’s promises of forgiveness, life, and salvation into a legalistic command. Come and discover a richer understanding of The Great Commission.