[OLD REGGIE]

John 8:58 -

Yes, Jesus claims to have been before Abraham. In fact He claims to have been with God before the world was made. He does not claim He is God.

John 17:
1: When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify thy Son that the Son may glorify thee,
2: since thou hast given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom thou hast given him.
3: And this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.
4: I glorified thee on earth, having accomplished the work which thou gavest me to do;
5: and now, Father, glorify thou me in thy own presence with the glory which I had with thee before the world was made.

[IMRight]

Yes, Jesus claims to have been before Abraham. In fact He claims to have been with God before the world was made. He does not claim He is God.

"I AM" is God's word for Himself. it is not merely a statement of pre-existence.

[HarleyD]

It doesn't seem that the people of the day had any confusion about who Jesus said He was.

Mat 27:43 "HE TRUSTS IN GOD; LET GOD RESCUE Him now, IF HE DELIGHTS IN HIM; for He said, 'I am the Son of God.'"