August 26, 2023
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NRSV)
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 (NRSV)
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 (NRSV)
I finally received my study manual for the Gospel of John for Bible Study Fellowship convening September 13th. It is hard to believe that the summer is almost gone. I so look forward to this study of John’s Gospel ‘THE TRUTH”. For this study my friend Wilma and I decided for this calendar year (September 2023 -May 2024) to do BSF International. It is going to be different not being in class with familiar faces. My class starts at 5:45 am, yes AM! Of course, BSF International has classes all over the world and I am excited about our verse-by-verse study.
Flipping through the pages of my study Manuel, reviewing the material, and getting ready for the term ahead, I came to section of John’s “I AM” statements.The phrase “I AM” holds significant biblical meaning and is closely associated with God’s self-revelation in the Bible. These “I AM” statements of Jesus connect back to the Old Testament revelation of God’s name as “I AM,” reinforcing His divine nature and His role as the source of all spiritual fulfillment and salvation.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven statements beginning with the words “I AM”. Each of these “I am” proclamations further our understanding of Jesus’ ministry in the world. They also link Jesus to the Old Testament revelation of God. The “I AM” phrase originates from the Hebrew name of God, which is often transliterated as “Yahweh” or “Jehovah.” This name is sometimes referred to as the Tetragrammaton, consisting of four Hebrew letters: Yod (י), Heh (ה), Vav (ו), and Heh (ה).
The Creator and Sovereign God is the only One who can accurately describe Himself as “I AM.” In John chapter 8 Jesus claimed the title “I AM” for Himself. Only God is eternally constant or ever-present sovereign and self-sufficient.
The first explicit connection of “I AM” with God occurs in the book of Exodus, when Moses encounters God at the burning bush. In Exodus 3:13-14 (NIV), Moses asks God about His name. He said to God “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to You,” and they ask me, “What is His name?” Then what shall I tell them?’ 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.”
The concept of “I AM“ is further explored in the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes several profound statements using the “I AM” formula to reveal different aspects of His identity and purpose. These statements highlight Jesus’ divinity and His role in fulfilling various spiritual needs!
This revelation of God’s name as “I AM“ signifies His eternal and unchanging nature. It suggests that God exists independently of time, encompassing all moments past, present, and future. In a sense, God’s statement “I AM WHO I AM” emphasizes His self-sufficiency, sovereign rule, and authority. His existence is not contingent upon any other being or circumstance or defined by anything external to Himself.
The “I AM” sayings in the Bible are a central theme that continues to reveal important aspects of God’s character and Jesus’ identity. Let’s take a deeper look into the “I AM” sayings of Jesus from the Gospel of John, as they provide profound insights into His divinity and the salvation He offers to humanity as well as their impact the life of a Believer in Christ!
Here are the seven symbolic “I AM” statements found in John’s gospel:
I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35): Believers find sustenance and fulfillment in Jesus alone. In John 6:35, Jesus says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty.” Just as physical bread nourishes the body, Jesus provides spiritual nourishment that satisfies the deepest longings of our soul. This statement not only speaks to Jesus’ ability to provide spiritual sustenance but also points to the sustenance of eternal life through belief in Him. Just as bread sustains physical life, Jesus, as the Bread of Life, provides the spiritual nourishment that leads to eternal life. For Believers in Christ, this means finding spiritual satisfaction, purpose, and contentment in Christ alone.
I am the Light of the World (John 8:12): In John 8:12, Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world.” Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” In Christ, Believers receive illumination and guidance. Just as light dispels darkness, Jesus shines the light of truth, wisdom, and understanding into the lives of Believers. This metaphor highlights Jesus’ role in bringing truth, guidance, and salvation to those who choose to follow Him. They are called to walk in the light of Christ, avoiding the darkness of sin and deception. Just as light dispels darkness, Jesus illuminates the path to God and leads people out of the darkness of sin and ignorance.
I am the Door/Gate (John 10:9): Jesus proclaims, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture” – John 10:9. This metaphor underscores Jesus’ role as the entry point to salvation. Jesus serves as the gateway to a close relationship with God. Believers enter into God’s presence and experience salvation through Christ. They find security, protection, and abundant life within the fold of His care. Through Him, Believers can access God’s grace, safety, and provision.
I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11): In John 10:11, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Here, Jesus presents Himself as the caring and sacrificial Shepherd who protects, guides, and even lays down His life for His followers. Believers can trust that He leads them in paths of righteousness and watches over them. In Christ, believers experience loving care, guidance, and protection. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus lays down His life for His sheep, exemplifying His sacrificial love.
I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25): Jesus assures Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die”– John 11:25. This statement reveals Jesus’ power over death and His ability to grant eternal life to believers, transcending physical death. For Believers, Christ’s resurrection holds the promise of eternal life. Through faith in Him, they have the hope of resurrection from the dead and the assurance of life beyond the grave. This truth brings comfort and triumph over the fear of death.
I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6): Jesus is the sole path to God and eternal life. Perhaps one of the most well-known “I AM” statements, Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” No one comes to the Father except through me” – John 14:6. This statement emphasizes Jesus’ exclusivity as the exclusive means of accessing God and eternal life. Believers understand that salvation is not achieved through human efforts, but through faith in Christ’s finished work. He is the embodiment of truth and the path to relationship with the Father. This truth compels them to live in alignment with Christ’s teachings, embracing Him as the ultimate source of truth and life.
Jesus’ “I AM” statements invite us as Believers in Christ to experience spiritual sustenance, guidance, protection, and eternal hope through their faith in the one who declared Himself as the “I AM”. In addition to these specific meanings, the “I AM” statements collectively convey the Believer’s dependence on Christ. They emphasize that believers find their identity, purpose, and ultimate satisfaction in their relationship with Jesus. As Believers in Christ grow in their understanding of these statements, they develop a deeper appreciation for Christ’s divinity, the salvation He offers, and His ongoing presence in their lives. They invite believers to experience spiritual nourishment, guidance, protection, and eternal hope through their faith in the one who declared Himself as the “I AM.”
A BLESSED HEART: The “I AM” sayings in the Gospel of John jointly offer a valuable embroidery of Jesus’ divine identity, His redemptive mission, and the transformative impact He has on those who believe and has trusted Him as Savior. They provide believers with a rich framework for understanding their identity, purpose, and relationship with Christ. Each saying captures an exceptional aspect of Jesus’ role in bringing salvation, truth, and eternal life to humanity, ultimately pointing to His unique place in the plan of God’s redemption. They also challenge Believers to follow Christ’s example of sacrificial love, compassion, and servanthood, impacting how they interact with others and engage with the world around them. Additionally, the “I AM” statements encourage Believers to walk in the light of Christ, allowing His truth to illuminate their decisions, relationships, and actions.
FATHER GOD: Thank You for Your Word that teaches us how to live and glorify You! Help us as Believers in Christ to walk in the light of Christ, allowing Your truth to illuminate our decisions, relationships, and actions, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen!