This is the question we will explore in this article. God had just told Moses to go and tell His people that their deliverance was near, but Moses wondered how the people would believe that God sent him: “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.”’”. This discourse continues Jesus’ public teaching in the city of Jerusalem in the temple area. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. The aim of all my ministry is the advancement and joy of your faith to the glory of God (Philippians 1:20, 25). And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. Furthermore, following His resurrection, Jesus made multiple appearances. John demonstrated that the “I AM” in Exodus was now physically standing in front of people, ready to be their Shepherd, their Door to the Father, their Life, their Vine, their Light, their Bread of Life, and their Truth. However, once its intended meaning is understood, it is even more powerful than the ones already quoted. Jesus’s response surprised them: “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. I AM.” Could Jesus have uttered a clearer claim to be God? He was more than brilliant. Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. I beli… Your email address will not be published. Revelation 22:17 Jesus presented Himself alive after his suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Any fair reading of the Scriptures will lead an honest inquirer to one conclusion and one conclusion only. Visit www.discoverbedrocktruth.org. In these passages, where the phrase “it is I” appears, it represents Greek words that mean, and that can be translated, “I am.” This was one of the ways—and a bold way at that—that Jesus claimed to be God. The person who follows me will never live in darkness but will have the light that gives life.” John 8:12; Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am!” John 8:58 “I am the good shepherd. (This third “I AM” statement directly follows Jesus’ healing of the man who was blind from birth ().That event was the sixth of seven signs highlighted in John’s gospel, which I will cover later. (Victor Books, 1983), 309. He wanted His followers to know that they didn’t have to live in darkness, hopelessness and bondage to sin. Then there were five additional claims Jesus made in John’s Gospel where He simply stated, “I am He,” “it is I,” or “I am.” All of these carry the meaning of the phrase “I am.” Significantly, “I am” was the name God saidwas His own when Moses, at the burning bush, asked Him, “When I approach the Israelites in Egypt and tell them the God of our fathers has sent me to you to demand that Pharaoh release them from bondage, and they ask, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say?” The name I AM has many implications. This Question Confronts All of Us, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but. For example, in numerous instances, Jesus claimed authority that only God possesses. King David declared in Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd”. A transliteration of this name into English gives us the title YHWH. They reminded Jesus that God gave their ancestors manna (bread) from heaven while they wandered in the desert so they wouldn’t die (Exodus 16:35). They follow signs and miracles and have major significance on His identity, deity and His death and resurrection. Eventually, through the years, the Hebrew people came to believe that God’s name was so holy that sinful man should not utter it. I will come again and receive you to Myself; that, And where I go you know, and the way you know.” Thomas replied that since they weren’t aware of where He was going, they couldn’t know the way. Jesus had creative and vivid ways of claiming to be God. 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If they would follow Him, then He would bring His “light of life” into their lives, transforming them and restoring them with His power. There are seven of these in all. This lesson begins a series on the “I AM” statement of Jesus. “I am the vine; you are the branches. This, my friend, is what Easter is all about! This verse also teaches us that even though we may die physically, we will live on spiritually in the Lord’s presence in heaven. not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Well, Jesus knew what they were thinking, and He validated his words with actions that produced visible, verifiable results. The take-away: Jesus is resurrection life—he brings life to the physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually dead! Jesus ordered Lazarus to come out of the tomb, and “he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. I love Jesus’, “I am,” statements in the book of John. Word Foundations has a sister site. Ultimately, the most significant proof He offered was His own resurrection from the dead. We will examine five proclamations in this category of claims. Surprisingly, Jesus responded, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first” (John 8:7). There is another “I am” statement in the Book of Revelation, but these “I am” statements in the Gospel of John point back to the Old Testament and also into the kingdom. And let him that heareth say, Come. Did they not understand that the words He spoke and the works He performed were authorized by God Himself? “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Understanding this important concept helps believers to live fruitful and victorious lives. Jesus had just fed several thousand people with only a few loaves of bread, yet some people were asking for a sign from Jesus to prove He was from God. There is no other door to eternal life except through Him. The seven are: And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Jesus is THE way, THE truth, and THE life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. Others may come and try to declare that they are the way to life, but they are “thieves and robbers”; Jesus is the only true way (see point six). Why Would Sidney Powell and Lin Wood Encourage Georgia Republicans to Boycott the Senate Runoffs? When someone says, “I am…,” it reveals something about their identity. "I am the light of the world. John 8:58 shows that Jesus is God "Before Abraham was, I am" and is, therefore, a very important verse to Trinitarians. When we come to know Jesus (the Truth), we will find freedom. Click here to "I am" in John's Gospel. Your email address will not be published. The Koine Greek term Ego eimi, literally I am or It is I, is an emphatic form of the copulative verb εἰμι that is recorded in the Gospels to have been spoken by Jesus on several occasions to refer to himself not with the role of a verb but playing the role of a name, in the Gospel of John occurring seven times with specific titles. He is eternal. He’s the “I AM”—the God of the NOW—ready to be whatever we need Him to be in our lives. The Spirit would represent Christ, who no longer could be physically present with His disciples. the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Any ideas or concepts or philosophies that go against Jesus’ teachings or the Word of God (the Bible) are not truth. In John 8:58, Jesus does apply the meaning of this Name to Himself when He says, "Before Abraham came into existence, I am"), thus clearly identifying Himself as God. And I positively love it. The woman’s accusers left one by one because none of them were without sin themselves. Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Statements in which Jesus implied something He was or is. will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.’ ” Jesus essentially was claiming that He is the source of “living water,” water that forever quenches the thirst of the one who drinks it. Further, He spoke with a steady confidence that demonstrated He knew exactly who He was and what He needed to do. I didn’t forget Easter was coming, but I did fail to synchronize my writing schedule with the upcoming holiday. as well, in verses 26-27, He mentioned the Holy Spirit again and what the Spirit would do for them. The One Trait Characterizing Satan that Believers Should Cultivate and Exercise, Who Is Jesus? Go here for the answer. When you see the name LORD printed in small caps in your English Bible, it represents this name for God. “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Matthew 14:26-27; Mark 6:47-50; 14:60-62; and Luke 24:36-39. All rights reserved. Thank you, Thanks so very much for your assistance Blessings. Just what kind of affirmations did Jesus make regarding Himself? He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). I’ll do my best to post part 2 of that series soon. Such a scenario is difficult to imagine. Thanks. These are known as the seven "I AM" statements. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9). As sheep trust and follow their shepherd, we too can follow and trust Jesus not only for our eternal salvation but also for safety, provision and restoration of our souls. He will give His life because He is good and because it pleases His Father to redeem people back to His Father. 349-407) attached more theological significance to ego eimi, In his 55th Homily on John: "But wherefore said He not, Before Abraham was, "I was" (εγω ἦν), instead of "I Am" (εγω ειμι)? Psalm 9:10 says that people who know Gods name will trust him. Required fields are marked *. Yet He wasn’t going to leave them alone, without help. While we will examine five such occasions John documented in His record of Jesus’ ministry, be aware that each of the other Gospel writers mentioned instances like these as well.5, 3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. There are nine to chose from, and you can take them at whatever pace suits your group. There are not multiple ways to God the Father; there’s One. Exodus 3:14, "God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM." 2Edwin A. Blum, “John” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament Edition, John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, eds. Share this article on Facebook or Twitter. Statements in which Jesus said “I am…” and then declared something explicit about Himself using a metaphor or an analogy. Did they not understand that He was in the Father and the Father was in Him? – John 10:7 8 “ I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. He used figurative language to relate common objects or concepts with Himself or His Kingdom so that people could better understand His character and purpose. 1William Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary: The Gospel of John, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1953), 33-35. himself - the I am statements of Jesus. Then nothing could be understood (the putative purpose of such exercises when cults and the like are involved). The term is very deep. Seven “I AM” Statements of Jesus (Book of John) and the “I AM” Statement of Revelation. She told Jesus that if He had been there, her brother wouldn’t have died. We are the branches, and He is the vine. For example, when Jesus says “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener” (John 15:1), his claim focuses not on his deity, but on the idea that he is the only vine that God tends, and so branches can only experience genuine life and the Father's pruning if they are attached to Jesus, the true vine. They brought up the manna their forefathers had eaten in the wilderness (Exodus 16:13-18), and that established the context for this statement. Christ made a similar claim in John 7. What are “I am” Statements? John 14:6 – I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. John 15:5 – I am the vine, you are the branches.He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. Let’s first consider two additional “I am” claims Jesus made by implication. Next is the actual philosophical use of the word. They include the following: "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger" (John 6:35). Jesus speaks prophetically indicating that He will willingly lay down His life for people just like a good shepherd does for his sheep. Jesus the Light of the World John 8:12–24 Read John 8:12-20 in ESV. for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” Jesus went on to claim in verse 35, “I am the bread of life. And let him that is athirst come. 8 But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? “I am the light of the world.” To a world lost in darkness, Christ offers Himself as a guide. Copyright © 2019 by B. Nathaniel Sullivan. The event described here took place during the Feast of Tabernacles, when the large lamps were burning. Thanks for your patience. Phillip asked Him to show them the Father, and again, the Lord stressed the close relationship He had with His Father. (Philip B. Harner, The 'I Am' of the fourth Gospel, p 7-15, as summarized by Mark Ball, , 'I Am' in John's Gospel, p 202) Discussion of Jesus' 'I AM' statements in John: "Though the first occurrence of 'ego eimi' is strangely phrased, the reader may not see any hidden meaning in Jesus' words. Sheep and shepherds were commonly known and understood concepts in Jesus’s culture (which is probably why Jesus chose this metaphor). Download this 11-page ebook on the seven keys to the Lord’s Prayer by entering your email address below. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12). His disciples didn’t expect Him to be raised from the dead, even though they had heard Him predict His death and resurrection. 8 Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Jesus also made this claim just hours before His crucifixion. Martha was right about who Jesus was, and she also was right about her brother’s resurrection “at the last day.” She would see that very day, however, irrefutable proof that Jesus had power over life and death. In order for us to bear fruit (which brings much glory to the Father according to verse 8), we must be rooted and connected to Jesus. i am so motivated and touched by the passion you have in bringing a word of God to the levels which the simples can comprehend. This is a bold statement. Not at all! And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. He did not talk or act like a raving madman. In fact, He often spoke in parables, or, as we will see in this article, in metaphors. If you’re honest, you can’t refute Jesus’ claims to be God. That’s what the Apostle Paul seemed to understand as well. But she wouldn’t have to wait until the final resurrection to see her brother again because the one who embodied the resurrection was standing in front of her, full of power and ready to act. ~ By Jennell Houts Thanks…pretty new to it…rediscovered a bible given to me in 1986 by a dear aunt…(which I scoffed at..don’t think I even cracked open the cover) hit rock bottom and have been reading…lots of strange changes have been going on..all for the better. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.’” (John 6:35). The concept of creating this list, or of saying these statements or affirmations is not new. John demonstrated that the “I AM” in Exodus was now physically standing in front of people, ready to be their Shepherd, their Door to the Father, their Life, their Vine, their Light, their Bread of Life, and their Truth. Do you believe this?” Martha responded that she believed He was “the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world” (v. 27). Here are the seven statements and the events that surrounded them. The “I AM” statements by Jesus in John’s gospel have resonant echoes of the great “I AM” statements by God in the Old Testament. Keep up the good work of God. The final metaphorical “I am” statement in the Gospel of John emphasizes the sustaining power of Christ. The name I AM has many implications. They wanted to ensnare Jesus as well, so they asked Him what should be done with her. Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. —Luke, in Acts 1:3—. All rights reserved. John 6:35 “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”. Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. John 6:48 “I am that bread of life.. 2. A great and encouraging reminder this morning. “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? They actually prove that Jesus is God and was the God of the Old Testament. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it is joined in vital union with the vine, only those who are joined to Christ and receive their power from Him produce fruit in the Christian life. Keep in mind that the Bible was written in a different language than English and might have different grammatical rules. I am blessed to receive from you as l am growing in the lord, I am growing in the Lord l need your material, Thank you for putting these verses in context. Incredibly some were still asking for a miraculous sign to help them believe He was who He claimed to be. Dennis Bratcher. The seven I am’s are a revelation to me. Many people seem to be searching for truth, and they’ll go to great lengths to find it; Jesus is the Truth they are looking for. Since the statement is not "Before Abraham was I was," it is easy for some moderns reading through certain metaphysical assumptions to conclude that this is a statement of the atemporality of God, or about the nature of time in general. Those who know your name … Jesus’ statements in, ). Go… About the core of their being. Additional articles related to Easter are available here. …..Then Jesus declares, “I am he”. Jesus is our good shepherd. John 4:26 “I am the bread that gives life.” John 6:48 “I am the light of the world. Last time, which was a week ago, I indicated that in a week, I would post Part 2 of a series titled “Social Justice and Biblical Christianity Are Incompatible: Here’s Why” (go here for part 1). Moses, I am the light of the world John 8:12–24 Read John in! You believe in God, believe also in Me shall never thirst the Spirit do! ’ claims to be God and men loved darkness rather than light because! 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