I Am

<<self-proclaimed title of God>>

When Moses was called by God to deliver the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, he knew he would be asked who gave him the authority and directive to do this. God instructed Moses to reply, “I AM has sent me to you”. This distinguished God from all the Egyptian gods. God further elaborated saying, “I am the Lord, the God of your fathers…Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” (Ex 3:13-15). The Israelites readily identified with these three patriarchs and so God’s credibility was re-established, because for over the 430 years that they had been resident in Egypt, first as welcome visitors then as slaves, their devotion and faith had diminished.

Jesus said, “Before Abraham was born I AM” (Jn 8: 58). In other words, He claimed He existed before Abraham and applied God’s name to Himself. He enlarged on this in the gospel of John, when he used seven illustrative titles of Himself: “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be

Which of the ‘I am’ statements speaks to me the most?

thirsty” (Jn 6:35); “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (Jn 8:12); “I am the gate for the sheep, whoever enters through Me will be saved” (Jn 10:7,9); “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (Jn 10:11); “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies” (Jn 11:25); “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn 14:6); “I am the true vine and My Father is the gardener” (Jn 15:1). Through these symbols or imagery He imparted spiritual truth.

See also: God, symbols.