In John 8:48-59, the Pharisees conducted some interesting questioning of Jesus. In verse 48-52a, they asked Him if he was demon-possessed, he said that he was not, and they concluded that he was. Then, in verse 52b-53, they say, “Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?” Jesus’ answer in verses 54-59 was that He was the Son of God. In verse 58, He says, “Before Abraham was born, I am!”
What He was saying was this: They asked, “Who do you think you are?” Jesus answered, “I am God.” He said, “Before Abraham was born, I Am!” I am the great “I Am,” identifying with God in Exodus 3:14: 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.’”
I’ve always thought this was a little funny. What a way to lose an argument! You ask “Who do you think you are?” and the reply is “I Am God.”