BIBLE FACTS OF THE DAY

JOHN 8:58

⁵⁸ Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

Yes, in Christian theology, Jesus is considered greater than Abraham because Jesus, as the Son of God, holds a higher position than the patriarch Abraham, who was a prophet. This belief is supported by biblical passages, such as Jesus’ declaration “before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58), implying his eternal nature and divine identity. Additionally, the author of the Book of Hebrews argues that Jesus is of the order of Melchizedek, a priest-king greater than Abraham, who even paid tithes to him. 

Biblical Basis

• John 8:58: Jesus states, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am”. This is a claim of eternal existence and identity with God, which the Jews present understood as blasphemous, as they then tried to stone him. 
• Hebrews 7:1-10: The author explains that Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, a priest-king who predates and is greater than Abraham. Since Jesus is also of the order of Melchizedek, this makes him greater than Abraham. 

Why Jesus is Greater

• Pre-existence: Jesus, being God, existed before Abraham. 
• Divine Authority: Jesus claimed to be the “I AM,” a divine title used by God in the Old Testament, asserting his divine nature. 
• Spiritual Priesthood: The comparison with Melchizedek places Jesus in a superior priestly role, superior to Abraham. 
• Fulfillment of Promise: Abraham and other Old Testament figures longed to see Jesus’ time and the salvation he would bring but did not experience it. 

In summary, the Christian belief that Jesus is greater than Abraham stems from Jesus’ own divine claims and the theological arguments presented in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John and the Epistle to the Hebrews. 

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!