An Introduction to an Unchanging God
The phrase “I AM” holds profound importance in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Exodus. When God introduces Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14, He uses the name “I AM WHO I AM,” revealing His eternal self-existence, unchanging nature, sovereignty and authority. In the New Testament the seven I am statements of Jesus send a powerful message of his authority as the Messiah.
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Exodus 3:14 AKJV
Our Lord’s Holy name emphasizes His supreme authority and control over the entirety of creation, spanning from the heavens to the earth. In the New Testament, Jesus echoes this powerful declaration, employing the “I AM” statements to assert His divinity and messianic mission, as seen in His New Testament proclamations: “I am the bread of life” and “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 6:35; 14:6), thereby affirming His identity as the Savior.
Centuries after his time on earth, the teachings of Jesus were meticulously documented by John, one of the gospel writers. John deliberately used the term “I Am” to refer to Jesus, a phrase that underscored the dual nature of Jesus as both divine and human. In a similar vein, the Nicene Creed, a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, affirms this duality, declaring Jesus Christ as the “Lord… begotten, not made, of one being with the Father,” and acknowledging him as the agent through whom all things came into existence.
How Many Times Did Jesus Say ‘I Am’ in the Bible?
The statements are sometimes emphasized more than once, but in total, 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,
What Are the Seven ‘I Am’ Statements of Jesus?
Jesus made seven resounding statements in the Gospel of John, known as the seven “I Am” statements. These include:
“I Am the Bread of Life”
In a moment reminiscent of ancient times, a multitude gathered, yearning for a sign, a miracle to cement their faith. They longed for a wonder akin to the manna provided during Moses’ era.
Addressing their request, Jesus offered a spiritual parallel to the physical nourishment they sought, positioning faith as the key to everlasting fulfillment.
“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35)
“I Am the Light of the World”
During the Feast of Tabernacles, a significant event in the Jewish tradition, Jesus addressed the crowd once again. Amidst the grandeur of the temple courtyard, illuminated by a towering menorah, he declared a profound statement that resonated with the audience, offering a beacon of hope and guidance.
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
“I Am the Door”
In this passage, Jesus is depicted as a storyteller, presenting the imagery of a thief attempting to steal sheep juxtaposed with a shepherd who enters through the gate—a figure familiar to both the gatekeeper and the sheep.
This shepherd is portrayed as the ‘good shepherd,’ one who calls each sheep by name and leads them out. The sheep, in turn, grow to recognize and trust the shepherd’s voice. Jesus then reveals a profound truth, positioning himself as the singular pathway to safety and community for the flock.
“Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7)
“I Am the Good Shepherd”
The portrayal of Jesus as the Shepherd is a recurring theme that permeates his life story, resonating deeply with the Jewish populace of first-century Judea and Galilee. This metaphor, rich in cultural and religious significance, is exemplified as Jesus aligns himself with the shepherd.
“ I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” (John 10:14)
“I Am the Resurrection, and the Life”
In the narrative of Lazarus, a dear companion of Jesus, illness befell him, leading to his demise prior to Jesus’ arrival at his Bethany residence. His siblings, Mary and Martha, held the belief that had Jesus been present, Lazarus would have been spared from death.
Amidst this poignant tale, at Lazarus’ tomb, Jesus called forth for Lazarus to emerge, and he arose. It was during this momentous event that Jesus would bring his friend back to life and proclaim that he is the embodiment of the resurrection they long for.
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” (John 11:25)
“I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”
As Jesus and His disciples dined together, mere hours before His arrest, Jesus spoke of His departure and the assurance of preparing a place for them in His Father’s house. Amidst this uncertainty, the disciple Thomas voiced the collective concern, seeking clarity. Jesus responded with a pivotal statement and confirmed that He is the only path to God and eternal life.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
“I Am the Vine”
In the midst of his final discourse with his disciples, Jesus continues to impart his teachings, utilizing metaphors that resonate with the agrarian society of his time. He articulates a vivid analogy that encapsulates the essence of the spiritual connection between himself and his followers.
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
