When Moses met with God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14), God revealed himself as “I AM” (Jehovah). God, according to Paul, “made the world and all things therein” (Acts 17:24). Jesus, according to the apostle John was “with God, and was God” (John 1:1). When Jesus used the words “I am” (ego eimi), He declared Himself Deity. In the Gospel of John, Jesus uttered seven statements prefaced by the words “I am.” Notice their significance.
“I am the bread of life” (6:35). This statement is connected to the Feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:1-13). It is the climactic statement in the discourse following the feeding. Christ is the bread which brings life. He is the sustenance that nourishes spiritual life.
“I am the light of the world” (8:12). This statement is connected to the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths (John 7:1-13). Lights were present all through Jerusalem and in the Temple during this Feast. Israel had been led by lights in the day and night during the wilderness wondering. Even the magnificent Candelabra was light in the court of women during this feast. With this scene as the backdrop, Jesus declares that He is the true light. Further emphasis is seen in the spiritual darkness in which the adulterous woman lived (7:53-8:11) and literal darkness in which the blind man lived at the pool of Siloam (9:1-12). Jesus did not just bring light, He embodied light (cf. 1 John 1:5-2:2).
“I am the gate for the sheep” (10:7, 9). This statement is connected to Jesus’ discourse (John 10:1-6). Jesus, as the gate, was the only way of entrance into salvation; He is the gateway into eternal life.
“I am the good shepherd” (10:11, 14). This statement is also connected to Jesus’ discourse (John 10:1-6). Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep even at the cost of His life. It is a sacrifice to “lay down his life for his sheep” that does not leave them unprotected and vulnerable, but draws them to Himself.
“I am the resurrection and the life” (11:25). This statement is connected to the raising of Lazarus (John 11). The person who puts his faith in Jesus will live even though he dies. Jesus is the resurrection and the life of present power and future good. Where there is no hope for the future, there is no power for today. Jesus is the hope for present living and future reward.
“I am the way and the truth and the life” (14:6). This statement is connected to the farewell discourse at the Last Supper (John 13). Jesus is the truth and life of God; therefore, He is the only way to God.
“I am the true vine” (15:1, 5). This statement is also connected to the farewell discourse of Jesus at the Last Supper. Jesus identified Himself as the True Vine. Israel was pictured as a vine in the Old Testament, but Israel pointed to Jesus. Now Jesus is the True Vine, not for the apostate people, but for all those who want to dwell with Him, who must be incorporated into and abide in Him.
