A famous author once said that the key to good writing is not in knowing what to put into a story, but what to leave out. Imagine, then, the problem of writing down the story of Jesus, especially if you had been an eyewitness and even a participant in the events. Of all that Jesus said and did, what would you include? What would you leave out?
John solved the problem by determining what he wanted his Gospel to accomplish: he wanted his readers to know that “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing [they might] have life in His name” (John 20:31).
Jesus statement I am demonstrates His identity with Yahweh in the Old Testament, who was first revealed to Moses as “I AM THAT I AM” (Ex. 3:14).
Illustration: Yahweh was the covenant name of God in the Old Testament and was most often used to express God’s relationship with His people. Jesus took on human flesh that He might bring humanity into an everlasting relationship with God.
To that end, John gives us seven statements to prove not only was Jesus God, but believing in these seven statements will meet our every need. Believing means to trust, put your faith in and act accordingly.
In todays uncertain times I truly believe that all of our needs in the Christian life, from salvation through glorification, are met in the “I Am.” Therefore I offer these seven statements for your consideration.
All verses in brackets are found in John’s gospel.
- “I AM the Bread of life” (6:35, 41, 48, 51).
- “I AM the Light of the world” (8:12).
- “I AM the Door of the sheep” (10:7, 9).
- “I AM the Good Shepherd” (10:11, 14).
- “I AM the Resurrection and the Life” (11:25).
- “I AM the Way, the Truth, the Life” (14:6).
- “I AM the true Vine” (15:1, 5).