S – Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” ⁵⁹ So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. 

John 8:58 -59 ESV

O – Commentary:

Jesus then affirmed His superiority over the prophets and Abraham. Abraham came into being; but when he was born, Jesus was already existing. I Am is a title of Deity (cf. Ex. 3:14; Isa. 41:4; 43:11–13; John 8:28); the Jews’ response (v. 59) showed they understood it that way. Jesus, because of His equality with God (5:18; 20:28; Phil. 2:6; Col. 2:9), existed from all eternity (John 1:1).

8:59. Jesus’ clear affirmation of His deity evoked a crisis. They had to decide whether He was what He claimed or was a blasphemer (cf. 5:18). Stoning was the normal punishment for this sin. The words, but Jesus hid Himself, could refer to a supernatural means of escape. The NIV‘s slipping away (lit., “He went out”) implies ordinary means (cf. 5:13; 10:39; 12:36). Once again His time had not yet come

 Edwin A. Blum, “John,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 306–307.

A – Jesus makes the bold statement.  He angers the crowd by claiming to be God and their reaction aligns with the custom of the day.  One of the attributes of the Holy Spirit is courage. (Isiah 11:2). We need to be bold and courageous when it comes to speaking the truth.  We don’t have to be demeaning or disrespectful.  We can speak the truth in love, courage and certainty when it lines up with God’s word and character.

R- Heavenly Father, you are the Truth and Life.  Empower our words to align with your word and character.  Give us courage to speak them with a heart that honors You and people.