The Seven "I AM" Statements in John

Of all the accounts of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the Gospel of John arguably provides the most evidence of His Divine nature, and probably none more so that the seven “I AM” statements Jesus makes about Himself. Each of these seven declarations gives insight into the Godly character of Jesus as the Son of God.

“I AM the Bread of life” (John 6:35 [RSV]). Jesus was the Manna from God, but He also is the Living Word that sustains mankind (Deuteronomy 8:3; John 1:1).

“I AM the Light of the world” (John 8:12 [RSV]). “God is Light and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5 [RSV]). Can it be any clearer Who Jesus is?

“I AM the Door” (John 10:9 [RSV]). Jesus is the passage to the Father that all must pass through for salvation from their sins.

“I AM the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11 [RSV]). “The Lord is my Shepherd” wrote David in Psalm 23:1. Jesus is that Lord!

“I AM the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25 [RSV]). Only those in Christ will be resurrected to eternal life, something only God can bestow.

“I AM the Way, and the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6 [RSV]). Jesus, and only Jesus, is the pathway to the eternal truth of God and life in Him.

“I AM the True Vine” (John 15:1 [RSV]). Any other vine is false and will lead to utter and eternal destruction from God’s Presence.

Perhaps the most compelling statement of His Divinity came when Jesus forthrightly declared in John 8:58 [RSV], “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” Anyone could make such a claim, but only Jesus could back it up. The miracles He performed culminating in His resurrection proved He was Divine. Jesus was and is the Living God Who took on human flesh!

May the Living God bless you and your family!

Without Excuse

In Hebrews 11:1 [NKJ] we are told, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Yes, it is true that God expects us to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7 [NKJ]), but unlike other belief systems, ours is not a blind faith. God’s word tells us that He has revealed Himself to mankind in many and various ways. David writes, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1 [NKJ]). In the conclusion of his Gospel account of the ministry of Christ John relates in John 20:30-31 [NKJ], 30. And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31. but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. Additionally, the Apostle Paul states in Romans 1:20-23 [NKJ], 20. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21. because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22. Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23. and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man and birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things.

David, John and Paul are all saying the same thing: No one has been denied the opportunity to come to a belief and faith in the Lord and Creator of the universe. All who reject Him are without excuse. As Paul continues, 24. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25. who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, Who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 1:24-25 [NKJ])

May the Lord bless you and your family!