As Christians, we want to know Christ. We want to love, appreciate, trust, and follow Jesus for who He is, as revealed in the Scriptures. On Sunday morning, our plan is to discuss nine titles of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew. As we look forward to that study, let’s consider in this article what is oftentimes referred to as the “I Am” statements in the Gospel of John. Seven different times in John, Jesus uses the words “I am” to reveal different aspects of His identity.
In John 6:35, Jesus says, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” When Jesus fed the multitude of more than 5,000 people with only five loaves and two fish (John 6:1-10), they came back the next day wanting another meal (John 6:22-26, 34). Instead of pursuing after physical bread that perishes, Jesus invites the crowd to consider His identity. He is the bread that brings about life. When we hunger and thirst for Him, He completely satisfies us.
In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Jesus is the light that shines into a world that is covered in the darkness of sin and death. When we choose to follow Him, we escape that darkness and will instead have the light of life. This truth is illustrated so well in the story of John 9, as Jesus brings light to physically blind eyes and a spiritually blind heart.
In John 10:9, Jesus says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” In a sheep pin, there was one door. The sheep would enter the door into the safety of the pin or exit the door to pasture. The door kept the sheep safe from thieves, robbers, and predators. For us, Jesus is the door. Without going through Jesus, there is no spiritual safety, fulfilment, or salvation.
In John 10:11, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” If dangers were to arise from predators, shepherds would risk their lives in order to protect their sheep. As our shepherd, Jesus does not only guide, protect, and sustain us. As our shepherd, Jesus laid down His life for us. We were in eternal danger because of sin. We were threatened by death, but Jesus stepped in between us and hell in order to save us by His death.
In John 11:25-26, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” As Jesus is about to raise His friend Lazarus from the dead, He once again teaches us about His identity. There is no resurrection or eternal life outside of Jesus. Even though physical death remains a reality, when we place our faith in Him, we will live forever. Our souls will never die
In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” In our culture, people believe that there are many different ways to God, truths from God, and avenues to eternal life with God. Jesus tells us that there is only one. He is the one way, truth, and life. No one can even approach the Father unless they come through Jesus.
In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” Using the metaphor of a grapevine, Jesus presents Himself as the vine. As individual disciples, we are branches connected to the vine. Only when we are connected to Jesus can we bear fruit. If we are disconnected from Jesus, we will not be able to do anything. Instead of bearing fruit, we will die.
These seven statements help us to know Jesus’ identity, to love Jesus for who He is, and to follow Jesus faithfully every day. Feast on the Bread of Life. Be illuminated by the Light of the World. Enter through the Door. Be saved by the Good Shepherd. Trust in the Resurrection and Life. Follow the Way, Truth, and Life. Be a branch connected to the Vine. What steps do you need to take to make that a reality in your life?
-Tyler Alverson
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