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Jesus’ “I am” statements would have particular significance to the first-century Jewish listener. God had revealed Himself to Moses with a resounding “I AM” (Ex. 3:14). Jesus used the same words to describe Himself (4:26; 6:20; 13:19).

Below is a list of Jesus’ seven “I Am” statements in the book of John.

  1. “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51) As bread sustains physical life, so Christ offers and sustains spiritual life.
  2.  “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) To a world lost in darkness, Christ offers Himself as a guide.
  3. “I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7,9) Jesus protects His followers as shepherds protect their flocks from predators.
  4. “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25) Death is not the final word for those in Christ.
  5. “I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11, 14) Jesus is committed to caring and watching over those who are His.
  6. “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) Jesus is the source of all access, truth, and knowledge about God.
  7. “I am the true vine.” (John 15:1, 5) By attaching ourselves to Christ, we enable His life to flow in and through us. Then we cannot help but bear fruit that will honor the Father.

 

This commentary is from the New King James Study Bible.

Painting by Rachael Rose