Jesus, The I AM

     The Gospel of John records Jesus claiming deity (or equality with God) more than 23 times!  One such time is recorded in John 8:58 where He comes right out and uses the name God claimed for Himself at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14): I Am Who I Am. Scholars believe it was probably pronounced Yahweh (Latin is Jehovah) and most likely referred to His eternal nature. It seems to be the past, present, and future tense for the verb “to be; to exist.” At any rate, the crowd’s reaction proves that He claimed equality with God – they tried to stone Him to death for blasphemy.

     John wrote his gospel (and later his NT letters) so that we would come to know Jesus as God in the flesh (see 20:31).  His account of Jesus’ life includes 7 “I AM” statements by Jesus:

(1)   “I AM the bread of life” (6:35-51) – He is true nourishment for the soul.

(2)   “I AM the light of the world” (8:12) – He illumines the way to God.

(3)   “I AM the door of the sheep pen” (10:7-9) – He provides our safety and security.

(4)   “I AM the good shepherd” (10:11-14) – He cares for all of our needs.

(5)   “I AM the resurrection and the life” (11:25) – He creates and sustains life.

(6)   “I AM the way, truth, life” (14:6) – The only way to God is through Him.

(7)   “I AM the true vine” (15:1-5) – One must abide in Him in order to survive.

     So important is this teaching for the church, that John says anyone who won’t believe and teach others that Jesus was God in the flesh is to be considered “anti (opposed to) Christ” (1 John 4:2-3;  2 John 9).  Jesus’ claims for deity are foundational for our faith.  If He was just a human, He would have only 1 life to give.  However, being a divine, infinite being, He has an infinite number of lives to give.  And that means anyone who chooses to take advantage of His wonderful blessings of salvation is able to do so. Scripture closes with the most personal invitation anyone can offer: “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” (Revelation 22:17)

     Therefore, thank God for loving you so much that He chose to leave heaven and come here to solve your sin problem (Philippians 2:6-7).  He did it all as a service for all mankind. Just as the 7 statements He makes in John’s Gospel are to show us, Jesus’ mission and purpose was, and continues to be to provide for everything that our souls need – nourishment, enlightenment, safety & security, attention & care, eternal life, the way back to God, and our life-line to God.

     Connect with Him daily. As the Great I AM, He alone can provide what you really need in life (now and forever). His main desire is to care for you and to continue to lead you toward your heavenly home. Live for Him every moment of your life in praise of His wonderful mercy and in gratefulness for His truly amazing grace.

Doug