How do people react when Jesus makes His most audacious claim yet?

In week 25 of our series through the Gospel of John, guest teacher Mark Shaddix leads us through the explosive conclusion of John chapter 8. The tension between Jesus and the religious leaders finally reaches a boiling point, moving from intense debate to an outright threat of violence. This text culminates in one of the most profound and unmistakable declarations of Christ's eternal identity in all of Scripture.

This week, we unpack this climactic confrontation through three key points:

• Hostility & Unbelief (v.48-53): The religious leaders resort to personal attacks and insults, unable to comprehend Jesus' promise that those who keep His word will never see spiritual death.

• Glory & Rejoicing (v.54-56): Jesus clarifies that He does not seek His own glory but is glorified by the Father, revealing the incredible truth that Abraham himself looked forward to and rejoiced to see His day.

• Infinite & Eternal (v.57-59): The shocking climax where Jesus takes the divine name of God, declaring "Before Abraham was, I am," proving His absolute, eternal deity and sparking a violent reaction from the crowd.

Scripture: John 8:48-59

Speaker: Mark Shaddix (Guest Teacher)

Date: July 19, 2026

Series: The Gospel of John (Week 25)

Location: Halls Community Park (Knoxville, TN)