The Deity Of Jesus

WHY did the people take up stones to stone Jesus?

Because they understood exactly what He was saying, that he is God.

His claim, that HE is the I AM:
"Jesus said to them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, before
Abraham was, I AM.' Then they took up stones to throw
at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the Temple,
going through the midst of them, and so ...passed by."
-John 8:58

What did He mean when he said, "I AM" ???

That he is the I AM as revealed to Moses:
"Then Moses said to God, 'Indeed, when I come to the children
of Israel and say to them, `The God of your fathers has sent me
to you,' and they say to me, `What is His name?' what shall I say
to them?'

And God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And He said, 'Thus
you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you.'
...The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham,the God
of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.

This is my Name forever, and this is My memorial to all
generations."

Now go back to the top and read again what Jesus said.