“The God of Abraham and of Isaac and the God of Jacob Yieldeth Himselfto Be Lifted Up”

Bryan Richards

Because of the things Nephi had seen in vision, he emphasizes the point that Jesus of Nazareth was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that the Jews were crucifying none other than their Lord and God. The conflict between who Jesus really was and who he was perceived to be runs through the entire New Testament. The Jews were upset everytime Jesus referred to his Father, Moses, or Abraham. When He did, He hinted at His role in the pre-mortal realm, his divine sonship, and his supremacy over any Old Testament prophet.

1) Moses: I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not…Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

…Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven…I am the bread of life…From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. (Jn 5:43, 45-7, Jn 6:32,35,66)

2) Abraham: Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? And the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? ….Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him (Jn 8:53-9).

3) The Father: For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man….I and my Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. (Jn 5:26-7, Jn 10:30-1)

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