2 The Apostle John Provides Some Answers

We would have expected the apostle Matthew to deal with the I AM statements in his gospel, because he wrote especially for the Jews; but the Holy Spirit selected John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, to share these truths with us. But why John? Because John wrote his gospel to prove that Jesus Christ is the I AM, the very Son of God. “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:30–31). John wrote as a theologian to prove the deity of Jesus Christ, but he also wrote as an evangelist, urging his readers to put their faith in Jesus and receive eternal life. Besides his own testimony in John 20:30–31, John quotes seven other witnesses who affirm that Jesus Christ is God the Son:

John the Baptist: “I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God” (John 1:34 NASB).

Nathanael: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God” (John 1:49).

The Samaritans: “Now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world” (John 4:42).

Peter: “We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:69).

The healed blind beggar: “Then the man said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ and he worshiped him” (John 9:38).

Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus: “Yes, Lord … I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world” (John 11:27).

Thomas the apostle: “Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” (John 20:28).

Along with His I AM statements, Jesus Himself declared that He was the Son of God sent from heaven by the Father. Read carefully our Lord’s statements in John 5:24–27 and 10:22–39, and His prayer recorded in John 17. Some students of John’s gospel believe that our Lord’s words in John 4:26 and 8:24, 28, 58, as well as 13:19 and 18:5–6, are all “theologically loaded” and affirm His deity as the great I AM. Did He say to the Samaritan woman, “I AM is speaking to you”? Did He warn the unbelieving Jews that “if you do not believe that I AM he, you will indeed die in your sins” (see 8:24)?

One of the key words in John’s gospel is life, used at least thirty-six times; and the seven I AM statements all relate to John’s theme of spiritual life in Christ. Jesus called Himself “the bread of life” (6:35, 48, see also verses 51, 58) and “the light of life” (8:12). Through the Word we can “feed” on Him and follow Him and experience this promised life. He is the door (gate) of the sheep that enables us to “come in and go out” and enjoy freedom and abundant life (10:7–10). He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life so that we might have eternal life (10:11, 15, 17–18). “I am the resurrection and the life,” Jesus told Martha (11:25–26; see also 5:24), and to the disciples He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (14:6). Jesus is “the true vine,” and we are the branches. Because of the life He imparts to us as we abide in Him, we are able to bear fruit that glorifies Him (15:1–5).

In His I AM statements, Jesus not only tells us who He is, but He also tells us what He can do for us and what we can become through Him. If we are spiritually hungry, He offers us the bread of life. To those walking in darkness, He gives the light of life; and we need not fear death, because He is the resurrection and the life. Can we be sure of going to heaven? Yes, because He is “the way and the truth and the life” (14:6). Can our lives be fruitful for His glory? Yes, if we abide in Him and draw upon His life.

In Jesus Christ, the great I AM, we have all that we need!

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