This blog post is all about the I am statements of Jesus
The “I am” statements of Jesus are super powerful declarations!
Can I make a quick confession? When I was done writing this blog post…I was in tears.🥹Actually, I was totally undone. Why? Because these “I am” statements revealed a profound spiritual truth about the true nature of Jesus. I could feel his love ever so tangibly.
As you read the blog post, you’ll discover that these statements are full of meaning, imagery, metaphors, and wisdom that can be applied to our lives today.
In this blog post, you’ll learn:
- The seven “I am” statements of Jesus
- Their deeper meanings
- Reasons why you should understand them.
Through this exploration, I hope you’ll find hope, inspiration, and a greater understanding of Jesus’s words.
P.S. I’m super honored that you’re here! ❤️
P.P.S. I use a bit of caps in this blog post…I promise I’m not shouting LOL…I’m like literally enthusiastic.💃🏿
Ready? Let’s go!
The genesis of the seven I am statements
So let’s unearth the genesis of the “I am” statements!
God revealed Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14 by saying, “I AM WHO I AM.” This statement emphasized His sovereignty and eternity that He has always been and will always be, regardless of our circumstances.
Now here’s a major bombshell….
In John 8:58, Jesus declares, “Before Abraham was, I AM.””
This statement is particularly important because it affirms that Jesus existed before Abraham and implies His divine origin.
He also uses the phrase ‘I AM’ to refer to Himself throughout the New Testament when declaring who he is or what he can do for us.
Let’s explore the statements together:
I am statements in order
Before I move into their in-depth explanation, let me list them for you!
Here we go:
1) I am The Bread of Life (John 6:35)
2) I am The Light of the World (John 8:12)
3) I am The Door/Gate (John 10:9)
4) I am The Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14)
5) I am The Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25-26 )
6) I am The Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6 )
7) I am The True Vine (John 15:1).
1. I am The Bread of Life (John 6:35)
The I am statement of Jesus being the bread of life is profound and rich with meaning.
Let’s revisit a few stories to paint this picture really well.
a) Feeding the 5000!
The story of Jesus feeding the 5000, as told by John 6, illustrates how Jesus provides for us even when it seems impossible. By multiplying what little was available, not only did everyone have enough to eat, but there were baskets of leftovers.
John 6:35 says, “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty'” (NIV).
In this statement, we see that Jesus is not only providing for those physical needs but also spiritual. Believing in Jesus satisfies a greater hunger, one that is more than physical sustenance.
b) Manna from Heaven!
The story of Jesus feeding the five thousand is often compared to the story of manna in the Old Testament.
In Exodus 16, we read how God provided food from Heaven to feed Israel while they wandered in the wilderness. The food God provided was called manna, and it was collected daily.
The manna sustained the people of Israel for forty years as they wandered to the promised land.
c) Last supper
The story of the last supper, found in Luke 22:19, further highlights more information.
As Jesus broke the bread and gave it to his disciples, he said, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (NIV).
By partaking in this bread, his disciples were not only remembering Jesus and what he had done for them; they were also connecting with him.
d) Daily bread!
When we look further to Job 23:12, we see that “I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread” (NIV).
This phrase is also used in the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:11, “Give us today our daily bread.”
As stated earlier, this depicts how Jesus is a source of spiritual sustenance and nourishment.
Takeaways:
- The I am statement of Jesus being the bread of life speaks volumes about what he has done for us.
- It reminds us that Jesus provides for all our needs and that we can come to him with faith, knowing he will never leave us hungry.
- Jesus is the bread of life, a spiritual nourishment that satisfies us in ways nothing else can.
- With his sustenance, we’ll never go thirsty or hungry again.
2. I am The Light of the World (John 8:12)
The I Am statement of Jesus as the Light of the World in John 8:12 is one that has resonated through the ages.
This simple statement carries a powerful truth, and when we look back at its origins in the Old Testament, it becomes even clearer why this was an important declaration for all to hear.
Let’s revisit a few stories to give a bit of a background:
a) Light in the tabernacle
In Leviticus 24:4, the Israelites were instructed to keep a perpetual lamp in the Tabernacle burning day and night.
This was meant to be an everlasting symbol of God’s presence and light in their lives, leading them through their journeys.
b) We are to emulate and reflect the Light
In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus spoke about how He was the light of the world – and that same light was meant to be reflected by each of us in our own lives.
Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”
We are called to emulate this light, so that in all we do, righteousness prevails and evil is exposed. Through the power of The Holy Spirit, we are able to reflect this light.
Takeaways:
- Through Jesus’ declaration as the Light of the World, He not only provided us with a symbol of God’s presence and light but also showed us that through Him, we can seek salvation.
- Jesus’ declaration as the Light of the World is not just a powerful, symbolic statement – it is a call for us all to take up our own lights and reflect His light outwardly in all we do. In this way, we, too, can be beacons of hope and salvation for others.
3. I am The Door/Gate (John 10:9)
Jesus is the door or gate for the sheep in the sheepfold.
John 10:9-10, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Let’s revisit a few ideas to give a better understanding:
a) What sheepfold was meant for…
In ancient times, these folds were used to contain and protect sheep from predators.
The fold was formed by laying out stones around a small area so that a barrier could be formed between the flock and any threats outside of it.
This setup also provided safety during storms as well as preventing thieves and robbers from entering.
👉🏾Super Important: The door/gate was the only way in and out of the sheepfold, so it had to be secure for the safety of the animals.
b) Door to salvation
This same concept is used to describe Jesus and our need for Him to reach salvation.
He is referred to as “the door” because He is the only way in and out of the sheepfold, or in this case, Heaven.
c) Gatekeeper to eternity
By recognizing Jesus as the gatekeeper to eternity, we can fully understand the importance of entrusting our lives to Him. He is the only one who can provide us with true security and hope for an everlasting life in Heaven.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life; no man can come to God without Him (John 14:6). Through faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on Calvary’s cross, we can have the assurance of salvation and eternal life.
By trusting in Him, we can open the door to our future hope in Heaven.
d) Peace and security
It is only through Jesus that we can find peace and security from the enemy who comes to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10).
Jesus is truly our defense against the enemy and our protector in times of trouble. No other way is possible; only through Jesus Christ can we find true peace, hope, and life.
Takeaways:
- Let us recognize Jesus as the gate to our salvation and open the door to a future of peace, joy, and eternity with Him.
- Jesus is the only way by which we can enter into Heaven- He is the gate to our eternity.
- The enemy will use dubious ways to access us! He is compared to “thieves and robbers” who only want to steal, kill and destroy.
4. I am The Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14)
The fourth statement, “I am The Good Shepherd,” appears in John 10:11 & 14.
In this passage, Jesus is comparing himself to the shepherd of the Bible, who watched over his flock and protected them from harm.
a) What are the qualities of a good shepherd?
A good shepherd looks after his sheep with deep love and devotion. He protects them from harm and danger and provides for their needs.
When Jesus referred to himself as a “good” shepherd, he implies that he will provide us safety and sustenance and guide us through life’s difficulties with compassion and understanding.
b) Psalm 23
This is reinforced in Psalm 23 when it speaks of God leading His flock to green pastures and still waters, providing rest and protection from enemies.
Read more on my blog post, “11 Supercharge Tips to Praying the 23rd Psalm.”
c) Parable of the lost sheep
The parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:4) further illustrates this point by showing how Jesus actively searches for those who have gone astray.
He does not give up on His people but instead shows them compassion and mercy and leads them back to the fold.
Takeaways:
- Through Jesus, we can have strength and security as we walk the difficult paths of life.
- Knowing Jesus is our good shepherd gives us a sense of peace and assurance that He will carry us through whatever we may face.
- As His sheep, let us take comfort in knowing that our good shepherd loves and cares for us deeply. May we embrace Him as the source of our salvation and protection.
5. I am The Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25-26 )
The fifth statement is “I am The Resurrection and the Life”.
This phrase appears in John 11:25-26 when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.
Let’s review a few things:
a) Lazarus!
The “I am” statement in John 11:25-26 is one of the most powerful expressions of Jesus’s identity.
In this passage, when Mary and Martha call upon him to come and heal their brother Lazarus.
When Jesus arrives, Lazarus had been dead for four days (see John 11:39)!
Jesus then declares, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.”
With these words, Jesus asserts He has authority over life, death, and resurrection.
This statement also speaks to Jesus’s divine identity as the Son of God; it is a declaration of His ultimate authority in all matters relating to eternal life and salvation.
b) O death, where is your sting?
This declaration is also echoed in 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, where Paul reminds the Corinthians of Jesus’s victory over death: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
This passage points to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and His power over life and death.
Takeaways:
- Through this “I am” statement, Jesus reminds us that He is the ultimate authority over life and death and has given us the ultimate hope of eternal life through faith in Him.
- This statement is filled with promise and love, as they assure us of His presence with us now (through Holy Spirit) and forever.
6. I am The Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6 )
The phrase “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” appears in John 14:6.
This statement is incredibly powerful because it reveals a great deal about Jesus’ identity as both Lord and Savior.
a) The Way
Jesus identifies himself as “the Way”—the path to salvation.
This means that He is the only way to access the fullness of God’s grace and redemption.
Acts 4:12 proclaims that there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven by which we must be saved.
b) The Truth
Jesus also declares Himself as “the Truth”—the source of God’s truth.
This means that He is the embodiment of God’s word and will.
Here’s a bit of scripture to back everything:
- John 1:1 proclaims something profound…, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
- & John 1:14 clarifies that the word became flesh (Jesus).
- Matthew 5:17 further indicates that Jesus came to fulfill the law.
c) The Life
Finally, Jesus identifies Himself as “the Life”—the source of eternal life.
This means that He is the only one who can grant us everlasting life through salvation.
John 10:17-18 declares that Jesus authority as far as life, and John 14:19 states that we have the power to have life through Him. The verse states, “…Because I live, you also will live.”
Takeaways:
- Through Jesus, we can access God’s grace and redemption, the source of His truth, and the power to live an abundant life.
- By believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we are granted eternal life with Him in Heaven. This is why it is essential for us to accept and follow Him as our Lord and Savior.
7. I am The True Vine (John 15:1).
Finally, the seventh I AM statement is “I am The True Vine.”
Let’s review a few ideas:
a) The Powerful imagery of a grapevine!
The phrase “I am the true vine” appears in John 15:1-5, and Jesus conveys a powerful analogy to His disciples.
A grapevine consists of an intricate network of branches intertwined with one another and attached to a strong trunk or main stem.
The branches are dependent on this main stem for nourishment and support, as they rely upon it to provide the necessary sustenance to bear fruit.
b) Jesus is the true vine
This same analogy can be applied to our relationship with Jesus Christ, who is the true vine.
In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
In this passage, Jesus tells us that believers are to abide in Him – just as the branches of a grapevine must stay connected to its stem for support and sustenance.
👉🏾Super Important: When we remain connected to Jesus through prayer and obedience, He will provide us with the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to bear spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).
c) Produce good fruit!
The importance of this analogy is further highlighted in Matthew 7:16-20 which states, “You will know them by their fruits,”—and so it is only by staying connected to the true vine that we will be able to bear such fruit.
This suggests that those who are not connected to the true vine and who are not abiding in Jesus will not produce good spiritual fruit.
Takeaways:
- In sum, the phrase “I am the true vine” is an analogy crafted by Jesus to illustrate the importance of staying connected to Him if we wish to bear spiritual fruit through the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit.
- For this reason, it is essential that we remain connected to Jesus Christ.
What is the major purpose of the I am statements? (Reasons)
Now that I’ve explained each of the “I am” statements. I know you can probably easily deduce the reasons why we need to study and understand them!
Here are some reasons to study them, and ultimately their purpose:
a) Understand God’s identity and relationship with us.
Knowing the seven “I am” statements helps us to understand who God is and His relationship with us.
By understanding these statements, we can better comprehend aspects of our faith, such as why Jesus was sent to earth and what role He plays in our salvation.
b) Gain a greater understanding of the Father-Son relationship.
The seven “I am” statements also provide a better understanding of the Father-Son relationship. Meditating on these passages shows how the Father relates to the Son and vice versa.
This knowledge allows us better to appreciate the love between God and His people.
c) Learn more about Jesus’ identity and nature.
Studying the seven “I am” statements can also help us to gain a greater understanding of the identity and nature of Jesus.
Looking at each statement in detail, we can learn more about who He is and how His divinity interacts with humanity.
d) Recognize and accept God’s authority.
Knowing these statements helps us to recognize and accept God’s authority over our lives.
These passages teach us that Jesus has all power and authority and that He is to be obeyed in everything.
e) See our own identity in Christ.
Understanding the seven “I am” statements gives us a better perspective on our own identity in Christ.
We can see how God views us, what His expectations are for us, and how we can live according to His will.
f) Allow God to work through us.
Studying the seven “I am” statements can help us to become more confident in allowing God to work through us.
By understanding how powerful and almighty Jesus is, we can trust Him with our lives and feel secure knowing that He will never leave nor forsake us.
g) Discover God’s purpose and plans for our lives.
Finally, examining the seven “I am” statements can reveal to us God’s purpose and plans for our lives.
Through these passages, we can learn more about His will and how He wants us to live in order to achieve a life that is truly fulfilling and meaningful.
And that’s it, folks, the seven I am statements of Jesus
I hope you enjoyed this blog post!
Overall, these I AM statements are profoundly meaningful declarations that reveal much about Jesus’ identity and mission. They help Christians understand how God works through Jesus and how they should follow Him in order to receive salvation.
By understanding these I AM statements in great detail, we can gain greater insight into Jesus’ mission, love, and power.
You may also like this post: 22 Amazing Names of God and Their Meaning.
Lastly, this song was in my Spirit as I wrote this blog post. It just gave me a picture of Jesus. Goodness, I love Jesus so much. 💖
Hugs!
