Before Abraham Was, I AM
Month 4: Is Jesus Really God? · Memory Verse
Today's Scripture
Read together: John 8:58 & Exodus 3:14
58 “Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am!” — John 8:58
14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” — Exodus 3:14
Memory Verse
““Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am!””— John 8:58 (BSB)memorize this week
📖 Bible-in-a-Year (optional)
Today's reading: Exodus 13–16
Reading the whole Bible in a year — do this when you have extra time. (Around Day 99 of 365 — the Red Sea opens and God feeds His people with manna.)The Heart of It
Today we slow down and tuck this week's verse deep into our hearts. Read it twice, and listen for the two halves. The first half is "before Abraham was." It points all the way back through history, past kings and patriarchs, before anyone we could ever name. The second half is "I AM." It does not point backward at all. It stands still, alive, and present. Jesus is saying that He did not start at some moment in the past. He simply is, always and forever. Put the two halves together and you have one of the boldest sentences ever spoken. The man standing in front of them was the eternal God.
Notice how those two little words, "I AM," tie all the way back to . That's where God told Moses His name from inside a burning bush that would not burn up. Memorizing isn't just storing words. It's storing a truth you can carry into any conversation. When a friend asks, "Did Jesus ever actually say He was God?" you'll have His own words ready. So let's say it until it sticks. We don't do this to show off. We do it because hiding God's Word in our hearts keeps our faith steady. And it gives us something true and kind to share ().
Around the Table
Let's learn just two words first: "I AM." Now add the rest: "before Abraham was, I AM." That's Jesus telling us He is God!
Let's do it: Crouch down small for "before Abraham was," then stand up tall for "I AM!" Do it three times.
Try the whole verse with motions. Point back over your shoulder for "before Abraham was," then point up for "I AM."
Let's talk: Why do you think Jesus connected His words to God's name in ?
Memorize the verse and its anchor, , so you can show a friend the link between them.
Let's go deeper: How would having this verse memorized help you answer a question about Jesus kindly and quickly, without scrambling?
💬 Conversation Starter
What's something you've memorized so well you'll never forget it? Maybe a song, a phone number, or an address. Let's make John 8:58 one of those things!
🛡️ Defending the Faith
A memorized verse is a ready answer. When someone asks whether Jesus claimed to be God, lets you reply gently and clearly with His own words. And reminds us to do it "with gentleness and respect," never to embarrass anyone.
For Dad · Go Deeper
Scripture memory is one of the most under-appreciated apologetics disciplines in the home. Children who carry verses internally are not dependent on having a phone or a book. The truth travels with them onto the playground and into the classroom. But memory works best when it is understood, not merely recited. So today's job is to link to so the words have weight. Make it playful, repetitive, and unhurried. Pressure kills retention, while joy fuels it. And lead by doing. When your kids see Dad working to memorize the same verse, stumbling and laughing and trying again, you teach them something. You teach them that hiding God's Word in the heart is a lifelong, normal Christian practice, not a kids' chore.
Draws on: Natasha Crain, Keeping Your Kids on God's Side.
Let's Pray Together
"Father, thank You for Your Word. Help us hide this verse in our hearts. Help us never forget that Jesus is the great I AM. And give us kind words to share it. We pray this in Jesus' name, amen."
"Before Abraham was, I AM." Those are Jesus' own words, and they are tucked safely in my heart.