The statement “I AM” was a radical claim by Jesus recorded in the Gospel of John that encapsulated His divinity and oneness with God the Father. This apparently simple phrase provoked sharp reactions from Jewish religious leaders of the day and continues to be analyzed from various theological perspectives. Let’s explore the meaning and significance of Jesus’ “I AM” declarations in the Bible.
Old Testament Background of “I AM”
To understand what Jesus meant, we first need to examine how “I AM” was used in reference to God in the Old Testament. When God first appeared to Moses in the burning bush in Exodus 3:14, He identified Himself as “I AM WHO I AM.” This “I AM” designation for the self-existing eternal God is repeated through the Old Testament. Isaiah 42:8 declares “I am the LORD; that is my name!” Isaiah 43:10 states “Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior.” The “I AM” formula was unambiguously equated with the one true God.
Jesus’ “I AM” Sayings in John’s Gospel
Building on this Old Testament foundation, Jesus took the divine name “I AM” for Himself in the Gospel of John. Some key examples:
John 6:35 – Jesus said “I am the bread of life.” He claimed to be the source of spiritual nourishment and sustenance.
John 8:12 – Jesus said “I am the light of the world.” He declared Himself the source of spiritual light and illumination.
John 10:9 – Jesus said “I am the gate.” He equated Himself with the only way to salvation.
John 10:11 – Jesus said “I am the good shepherd.” He claimed to be the caring protector and provider for God’s flock.
John 11:25 – Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life.” He asserted power over death and life after death.
John 14:6 – Jesus said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” He maintained He is the exclusive path to the Father.
John 15:1 – Jesus said “I am the true vine.” He metaphored Himself as the source of life for the branches.
So in these forceful “I AM” statements recorded only in John, Jesus appropriated the covenant name of God and applied it Himself. This was a startling act of self-identification as divine.
The Radical Meaning of Jesus’ “I AM” Claims
Jesus’ “I AM” declarations communicated His deity in several radical ways.
1. A Claim to be Yahweh God
By taking the “I AM” name for Himself, Jesus was directly claiming to be the Yahweh God of the Old Testament. This was an unambiguous assertion of His divinity. The Jewish leaders realized this instantly, which is why they picked up stones to kill Him for blasphemy (John 8:58-59).
2. A Claim to be The Eternal
Jesus revealed Himself as the timeless, self-existing God. His declarations echo Exodus 3:14, where God declared “I AM WHO I AM.” Jesus proclaimed His eternity and self-sufficiency as God.
3. A Claim to be The Source of Key Spiritual Realities
In saying “I AM the bread of life” and other metaphors, Jesus claimed to be the giver and source of the most essential spiritual realities like life, light, and salvation. He declared Himself the giver of all spiritual sustenance and blessing.
4. A Claim to be Savior and Judge
In His “I AM” series, Jesus claimed exclusive divine functions like salvation (“I am the gate”), spiritual guidance (“I am the good shepherd”), and judgement (“I am the resurrection and the life”). He underscored His role as both Savior and Lord.
5. A Claim to Replace the Temple
Christ’s “I AM” statements often alluded to key ceremonial furniture in the Jewish temple, like bread, light, and vine. This suggested that He was not only divine, but the fulfillment of the Old Testament religious system. Jesus was claiming superiority to the temple itself.
6. A Divine Claim Causing Division
By taking the divine name “I AM,” Jesus left no room for middle ground. His hearers had to either recognize His claim to deity or reject it as blasphemy. As C.S. Lewis noted, either Jesus was a madman making wildly false claims or He was God incarnate. There was no middle “good teacher” option available. His “I AM” sayings forced a polarization.
So in summary, by appropriating God’s covenant name for Himself, Jesus in John’s Gospel made profoundly divine claims to supremacy in the spiritual realm. This required all hearers in that day and now to grapple with His true identity. Is He liar, lunatic or Lord?
The Seven Key “I AM” Statements in John
Now let’s do a brief but closer examination of each of the major “I AM” declarations uttered by Jesus in John’s Gospel.
1. I am the bread of life (John 6:35)
This “I AM” statement came after Jesus miraculously fed over 5,000 people. The multitude kept following Him for more food. But Jesus rebuked them for not seeking the true “bread of life” that produces eternal satisfaction: Himself. He claimed to be the sole source of spiritual nourishment and life. No one can find salvation apart from Christ.
2. I am the light of the world (John 8:12)
Here Jesus not only claimed to be the source of spiritual light and understanding, but “the light of the world.” This underscores the global scope of Christ’s redemptive mission. Following Christ dispels the darkness of sin and ignorance universally. This echoes Isaiah’s prophecy that the Messiah would be a light for both Jews and Gentiles (Isaiah 42:6, 49:6).
3. I am the door of the sheep (John 10:7)
Jesus shifted His metaphor from bread to sheep. He declared Himself the only legitimate doorway to salvation, equating entrance through Him with being saved. All other supposed ways to God are fraudulent. Acts 4:12 confirms salvation is found in no one else but Christ.
4. I am the good shepherd (John 10:11)
Expanding on the door/sheep theme, Jesus here called Himself the “good shepherd.” In contrast with bad shepherds who are just hired hands, Jesus promised to know, lead, and lovingly lay down His life for His sheep. This affirms Christ as the caring protector and provider for God’s flock.
5. I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25)
This powerful declaration came as Jesus approached Lazarus’ tomb to raise him from the dead. He promised that all who believe in Him will rise again to eternal life just as Lazarus would physically. So Jesus emphatically claimed power over both physical death and eternal life after death. Our resurrection hope is found only in Christ.
6. I am the way, and the truth, and the life (John 14:6)
Here Jesus speaks comprehensively with three definitive “I AMs.” He unequivocally declares Himself the exclusive avenue to the Father. The exclusive truth incarnate. The exclusive source of eternal life. Jesus does not claim to point toward the truth or illustrate the truth. He IS the Truth. He alone embodies the truth about God and pathway to God.
7. I am the true vine (John 15:1)
In this final metaphorical “I AM,” Jesus describes Himself as the true vine representing Israel. As the source of life for the branches, He produces spiritual fruit in the lives of those connected to Him. Apart from Christ, believers can do and produce nothing. Our life and fruitfulness flow entirely from our union with Christ.
So these seven key “I AM” claims together consummate the case for Christ’s deity. Through them, Jesus pervasively appropriated God’s name and radiantly glorified His Father while declaring His own divinity.
What the Phrase “I AM” Demonstrates About Jesus
Beyond just the specific metaphors used, the “I AM” phrase itself powerfully substantiates Jesus’ divine nature in several ways:
1. Authority – Jesus’ habit of declaring “I AM” displayed remarkable authority. He did not explain, analyze or defend His statements. He simply stated them as fact. This aligns with Christ’s consistent authoritative demeanor seen throughout the gospels.
2. Exclusivity – In His “I AM” statements, Jesus left no wiggle room. He did not say “I am one way to God.” He emphatically declared “I am THE way, truth and life.” This exclusivity was either insane or divine. He allowed no room for multiple paths to God.
3. Simplicity – The simple “I AM” phrase without elaboration or defense was hugely provocative. Jesus’ terse statements echoed the Old Testament “I AM” references to God. This simplcity gained potency from echoing the voice of Yahweh Himself.
4. Divisiveness – As noted above, Jesus’ clear uncompromising “I AM” declarations forced people to take sides. There was no room for fence-sitting or nuance. You either embraced His claims as truth or rejected them as lies. He intentionally polarized.
5. Inflexibility – Jesus never watered down His “I AM” statements under pressure. He never softened His claims in the face of incredulity, doubt or hostility. This steadfast inflexibility further substantiated the divine authority in His words.
Additional Commentary on “I AM” from Bible Scholars
Renowned Bible scholars through history have elaborated on how Jesus’ “I AM” statements function uniquely in John’s gospel:
“This absolute use of ‘I am’ is peculiar to Jesus, and plainly divine. It is the equivalent of Yahweh.” – Merrill Tenney
“He gives Himself, in sublime simplicity, such names as denote that He alone fills the place of God.” – Cambridge scholar Brooke Foss Westcott
“Over and against all created things He sets Himself with sovereign independence as the ‘I am’.” – Early church father Origen
“The phrase is used to underscore the sovereign majesty of the incarnate Word.” – Theologian D.A. Carson
“Jesus takes the sacred name ‘I Am’ and uses it unreservedly to refer to himself.” – New Testament scholar Craig Keener
So Christian theologians down through history concur that these straightforward yet potent “I AM” declarations in John’s gospel constitute a striking self-proclamation of divinity by Jesus.
The Purpose of John Using “I AM” Statements
Why did John make such frequent use of these “I AM” statements when the other gospels do not?
1. John’s Gospel had an evangelistic aim. His book was written to prove Jesus is the Christ and lead readers to belief (John 20:31). The “I AM” statements powerfully accomplish this purpose.
2. John was targeting a Greek audience. His gospel assumes less Jewish background and focuses on presenting Jesus as the cosmic divine Logos/Word. The “I AM” declarations fit this motif.
3. John sought to supplement the other gospels. He purposely adds extensive material they omitted, like expanded resurrection accounts and the “I AM” series, to give a fuller picture of Jesus.
4. John chose memorable simple language. He employed basic terms like light, bread, and shepherd that stick in minds and clearly convey Christ’s identity.
5. John had been discipled by Christ personally. His up-close relationship with Jesus during His ministry deeply informed his gospel account.
So in summary, John likely crafted his gospel to focus on exalting Christ’s divine identity in clear compelling language to convince Greek readers to believe. The frequent echoing of God’s “I AM” name serves this purpose excellently.
How Should We Respond to Jesus’ “I AM” Claims?
In light of the high magnitude of these claims by Jesus, what is the proper response?
Belief – When we see who Jesus claimed to be in the “I AMs,” the only appropriate response is belief in Him as Lord. Anything less rejects His words.
Worship – These claims rightfully provoke worship. Thomas cried “My Lord and my God!” when he grasped the “I AM” statements. Our reaction should be the same.
Submission – As the authoritative “I AM,” Jesus expects no less than full life submission from those who believe. Partial surrender or sinful rebellion is incompatible with embracing Him as Lord.
Proclamation – We who believe cannot keep silent. As witnesses, we are delegated to echo Jesus’ “I AM” declarations to the world just like John did.
So in summary, Jesus’ breathtaking claims force us to either accept or reject Him. There is no middle ground. How will you respond? To bow or not to bow? There is no real question apart from this.
Conclusion
In the Gospel of John, Jesus made repeated forceful use of the divine name “I AM” in reference to Himself. By appropriating this name, Jesus asserted His supremacy and deity in a confrontationally clear manner that required all listeners to recognize or reject His divine identity. These declarations echoed Yahweh’s “I AM” references in the Old Testament while powerfully affirming Christ’s role as both Savior and Lord over all of life. John Featured these statements prominently for their capacity to compel belief in Christ as the divine Son of God. The only fitting reaction to Jesus’ profound “I AM” claims is wholehearted belief, worship, submission and proclamation. The question for all time therefore remains: who do you say that He is?