In the Synoptic Gospels (i.e. Matthew, Mark and Luke), the phrase "I am" is used only a few times by Jesus. In John's Gospel, Jesus himself says "I Am" fifty-four times. Twenty-four of these are emphatic statements including some well-known metaphorical images, when Jesus calls himself the bread of life, the light of the world, the door, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way and the truth and the life, and the true vine. These statements reveal various facets of Jesus' identity and work. Thus, it's worth exploring the meaning and significance of these statements.
“I am the bread of life.”
Jesus says this right after He fed the five thousand and the people wanted more. But Jesus didn’t want to keep filling their stomachs. He wanted them to see that physical food only satisfied hunger temporarily, but He was the One who could satisfy them spiritually. He was saying He is the bread that provides life.
This image continues to speak to us every time we participate in the communion. We are reminded of His flesh that was laid down for our sins, we eat the bread (signifying His sacrifice) in remembrance of Jesus self-giving love.
“I am the light of the world.”
Jesus made this statement during the Feast of Tabernacles. At this feast, a huge candelabra was lit in the women’s court of the temple. It reminded the Israelites of the pillar of fire that guided their ancestors during the wilderness wanderings. Jesus made this statement just after forgiving, rather than condemning, a woman caught in adultery whom the Pharisees had brought before Jesus in the middle of His teaching.
Jesus was letting them know that in a world darkened by sin, He is Holy and that His light contrasts the darkness. He offers the light and guidance to those stumbling in sin. Thus, Jesus stands out as a beacon of light amid darkness (throwback to John 1). It's common sense to be in the light, life is safer and easier in the light. Thus, it is also an invitation to follow the light.
“I am the door of the sheep.”
This statement of Jesus' was made during a discourse with Israel’s religious readers in which Jesus in so many words declared them to be unfit shepherds of the nation. According to the Nelson Study Bible, “Shepherds guided their flocks into stone enclosures each night to protect them. These structures had no doors. The shepherd would sit or lie in the opening to prevent predators from attacking. Thus Jesus was describing His care and constant devotion to those who are His.”[1] This statement also reinforces what He said in John 14:6 about being the only way to come to the Father. The only way to get into God’s “sheepfold” or “family” or “dwelling” is to go through Jesus – the door or entryway.
“I am the good shepherd.”
Jesus described His sacrificial love for His people using this statement. He was letting the Israelites know that, unlike a hired man who will run and leave a flock unprotected in order to save his own life when the wolf threatens the sheep, He will not abandon His sheep, but will keep watch over His people. Jesus said “I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” This was a prophetic utterance about His coming sacrificial death to save both the Jews and Gentiles who would believe in His name.
“I am the resurrection and the life.”
Jesus spoke this crowning statement of hope to His grieving friend, Martha, after her brother, Lazarus, had died. In the next verse He clarified His statement by saying, “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Death brought a sense of despair, hopelessness, and finality until Jesus spoke those glorious words, and then demonstrated them by bringing His dead friend back to life. Shortly afterward, Jesus showed the world that He had conquered the grave when He, Himself, rose to life three days after His death for the sins of all who would believe.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
When the disciples were confused about Jesus’s statements about heaven, Thomas asked what all of them must have been thinking: “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Jesus was reiterating that all roads do not lead to heaven. There are not many paths to God. Jesus is the only way to forgiveness, the only source for truth and knowledge about God, and the only route to eternal life. Jesus offers to spiritually dead people the very life of God. And there are no other options.
“I am the true vine.”
Jesus said this to His followers in the Upper Room on the night of His arrest and impending death. By abiding in or dwelling with or attaching ourselves to Christ, we enable His life to flow in and through us. Then we cannot help but bear fruit that will honour the Father. In this metaphor, He is the gardener. In Him, and in His nurturing, tending, and pruning, you and I can grow to our potential and bear much fruit.
That's a brief exploration of the "I am" statements of Jesus. Which of these speaks to you the most and why? Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Your thoughts will make this much more meaningful and interactive. Waiting to hear from you.
[1] The King James study Bible: King James version. 1988. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
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