Monday: Jesus Has Always Been There

Reading: John 8:48–59 (ESV)  The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?”  Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me.  Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge.  Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”  The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’  Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?”  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.’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.  Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. 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, I am.”So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.”

Before Abraham existed, Jesus declared “I AM.”

Devotional: This profound statement reveals that Christ wasn't just a New Testament figure—He was present throughout all of Scripture. From Creation to the burning bush, from wrestling with Jacob to standing in the fiery furnace, Jesus has always been actively involved in human history. When your life feels like it's crumbling, remember that the same Jesus who appeared throughout the Old Testament is present with you today. He isn't a distant God who showed up 2,000 years ago and left. He is Immanuel—God with us—yesterday, today, and forever. His presence in your crisis isn't coincidental; it's intentional and redemptive.

Reflection: Where in your life might you feel most alone or abandoned right now? Picture that specific situation. Now place Jesus right in the middle of it—not as an observer, but as the eternal “I AM” who has always been present and always will be. Ask yourself: Have I been living as if Jesus is far away and uninvolved? What might change in my attitude, my prayers, and my decisions if I truly believed that the One who existed before Abraham is standing with me in this exact moment?

Response: Take 10 minutes today to write a short prayer or journal entry starting with this sentence: “Jesus, You were there then, and You are here now when I face ______.” Name your specific “crumble” and invite Him into it consciously and specifically.

Song of the Day: You Were There