Jesus says to the Jews,
“Your father Abraham was overjoyed that he would see My day; he saw it and rejoiced.” (John 8:56, HCSB)
When they argue with Him that he isn’t even 50 years old and can’t possibly have seen Abraham, Jesus responds,
“I assure you: Before Abraham was I Am.” (John 8:58)
What is Jesus’ day? To what day is Christ referring? Is He referring to the day of His human birth, of His death, of His resurrection, of His second coming? How did Abraham see this day?
Was it as the Life Application commentary indicates? Did Abraham “see through the eyes of faith Jesus, a descendent of Abraham, bless all the people through His death, resurrection, and offer of salvation”? (NIV, Life Application Study Bible, p.1895) Was Abraham’s seeing an act of faith only? Or is Jesus being literal? Jesus indicates that yes, Abraham has faith to imagine seeing Jesus’ day, but His statement also implies Abraham actually sees the day.
Perhaps Abraham sees the day of Jesus on the day he prepares to sacrifice Isaac with his own hand at the command of God. Isaac wants to know where they will find the sacrificial animal. Abraham says, “God will provide.” Abraham sees the ram caught in the thicket. God says, “Do not raise your hand against Isaac for now I know you will not withhold your only son from Me.” Abraham sees the day of Jesus.
Thank You, Heavenly Father, that before Abraham was, Jesus is the great I Am. In His Name, we glory in You. Amen.