The "I AM" statements of Jesus in the New Testament book of John have a connection to Exodus. Moses had been away from Egypt for a long time. His ancestor, Joseph, was but a memory (Exodus 1:8). As a baby, Moses was hidden in a basket among the reeds of the Nile River, where his lineage and his rearing met with providence. The Pharaoh's daughter found him there, but his mother continued to nurse him (Exodus 2:5-10).
The writer of the book of John, intentionally identified Jesus as "I AM." Jesus declared himself to be "I AM" seven times throughout his ministry. The number seven is considered one of the most important numbers in the Hebrew Scriptures. It is associated with the idea of completeness, holiness and perfection. The following "I AM" statements are quoted from the New Living Translation Bible:
1. "I AM the Bread of Life."
In the days of Moses there was manna. Jesus told about the true bread of God: "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" (John 6:35).
2. "I AM the Light of the World."
Jesus announced: "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life" (John 8:12).
3. "I AM the Gate for the Sheep."
The good shepherd knows his sheep by name and guides them; the sheep come to know and trust his voice. "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep" (John 10:7).
4. "I AM the Good Shepherd."
"I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me" (John 10:14).
5. "I AM the Resurrection and the Life."
Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, was sick, and he died before Jesus could get to his house in Bethany. His sisters, Mary and Martha, knew that if Jesus had been there, their brother would not have died. At the grave of Lazarus, Jesus called for Lazarus to come out, and he did. It's in the middle of this powerful story that Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25).
6. "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life."
In a more intimate setting, Jesus made this "I Am" statement. He was dining with his disciples, hours before being arrested. Jesus explained he was leaving but would prepare a place for them. The disciple, Thomas, wondered at this (likely just asking the question everyone had on their mind). "Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me'" (John 14:6).
7. "I AM the True Vine."
Jesus was still sharing his final words with the disciples, those who walked closely with him in his earthly ministry. He again turned to metaphor, painting a word picture that those in an agrarian society would have understood well. "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
01/14/24