“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58)

Is that a typo? The English language rules are not in play with this translation of Jesus’s profound quote to the Jews. In grammar, present tense is a tense that expresses action or state in the present time and is used for what is true at the time of speaking or is always true. Jesus didn’t say, “Before Abraham was, I was,” which would sound more pleasing to the grammatical ear, but he keeps himself in the present tense: I AM. 

What Jesus said was true at the time of His speaking and is always true. The Jews believed that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was the I AM, as told to Moses in Exodus. They would universally know this reference of I AM referring to Israel’s God. But, when Jesus claims the same title, they are enraged. In their eyes, this blasphemy was unforgivable, and by their law, worthy of death. 

Jesus doesn’t stop there. He then rightfully claims that He is the I AM and proceeds to make seven I AM statements throughout the Gospel of John:

“I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35)

“I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) 

“I am the door.” (John 10:7,9) 

“I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11, 14) 

“I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25) 

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) 

“I am the true vine.” (John 15:1, 5)

The Book of Mormon offers clarity when Christ states, “…I am even as the Father, and the Father and I are one” (3 Nephi 28:10). Christ is God, the I AM, the giver and sustainer of life, here on earth and of life eternal. He is the I AM for everything needful and necessary. When we choose Him, we choose the I AM for today and for eternity. 

Even though the present tense of these verbs doesn’t sound pleasing to the ear, it is indeed pleasing to the soul, knowing that our God IS the same yesterday, today, and forever.  

Before He was created in the flesh, He IS the Creator. 

Before He was conceived in Mary, He IS the Holy Ghost.

Before He was a baby in the manger, He IS the Father of all. 

Before He sent angels with tidings of joy, He IS joy eternal. 

Before He received gifts from wise men, He IS the gift to all mankind.

Stay in the present tense this Christmas season. Celebrate I AM today, right now. For Jesus is our gift. He is our God. He is our truth. All that you need…I AM.

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.