Interestingly, Jehovah revealed Himself with the use of the phrase, “I am” to Israel in Exodus 3. “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”’” (3:13-14).
It is obvious that God was declaring His deity and preeminence in making this statement. He was contrasting His power and self-existence to the impotence of inanimate idols. In the next verse, He continued, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘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’” (3:15).
In the New Testament, Jesus identified Himself in the same way, declaring who He was using the phrase “I Am.” His self-identification likewise revealed His deity as the only begotten son of God. Consider His self-descriptions, found in the gospel of John:
I am the bread of life
“And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst’” (John 6:35).
This statement was made to a multitude of followers shortly after the feeding of 5,000 men with five barley loaves and two small fish (cf. 6:10-ff). The miracle incited an improper response in some, who sought after Jesus, “not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled” (6:26).
In contrast to physical food, coming to Jesus brings everlasting satiation. Eating of the bread of life brings eternal life at the resurrection on the last day.
I am the light of the world
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life’” (John 8:12).
Jesus came to bring light into a world of darkness. Simeon recognized this truth while Jesus was still a child. He rejoiced when he saw the Messiah as God had promised. He called Jesus, “A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel” (Luke 2:32). It is only through the Messiah’s redemptive work that man can step out of the dark shadows of sin and death.
I am the door of the sheep
“Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture’” (John 10:7-9).
There are many false ways, but only one way to find true pasture, and that is through Jesus as the door of the sheep. In this he is contrasted with those both before and after who are described as thieves and robbers. Those who believe in Jesus hear only Him.
I am the good shepherd
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 10:11).
Likewise, Jesus is the shepherd of the sheep. He protects them, and did protect them with his life. He cares for them, and for this reason they know and trust Him. Christians are the one flock, and Jesus is the one Shepherd.
I am the resurrection and the life
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” (John 11:25-26).
Jesus said this to Martha at the grave of her brother Lazarus. Martha believed in the resurrection. Jesus was asking her if she believed that the resurrection was possible because of His power and work. She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world” (11:27).
I am the way, the truth, and the life
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6).
Jesus told His disciples that He would leave them to prepare for them a mansion in heaven. Thomas did not understand, saying, “Lord, we do not know where you are going, and how can we know the way?” (14:5). Jesus’s answer reveals Him as the sole Messiah of the world. The only way to eternal life in God’s presence is through following Him.
I am the vine
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Jesus’ final “I am” statement indicates that salvation only comes when we “abide in” Him. This abiding, or fellowship, is contingent upon bearing fruit in accord with the “words” or will of Jesus. We must be His disciples, or we will be “cast out as a branch” and be thrown “into the fire, and they are burned” (14:6).
Jesus is God’s son, the Messiah of the world. He is the sole means through which we will be saved … if we follow Him!
