In the Old Testament, God referred to Himself as “I Am” or Yahweh to emphasize His self-sufficient nature. This name highlights God’s independence and autonomy, indicating that He does not rely on anything else and exists outside of time.
Understanding His Divine Identity
The phrase “I Am” signifies that God exists beyond the constraints of time and space, demonstrating His constant and everlasting presence. When God identified Himself to Moses at the burning bush as “I Am Who I Am” (Exodus 3:14), He underscored His self-existence, unchanging nature, and sovereignty. This declaration revealed God as the eternal being, unbound by the constraints of time or creation.
This divine title was then echoed by Jesus when He declared, “I Am.” Here, Jesus was not just highlighting His existence. He also asserted His divinity by associating Himself directly with God.
This strong declaration not only asserts that He is one with God but also underscores the truth that Jesus, as the incarnate God, has existed eternally beyond time. It also confirms His fundamental unity with the Father. This is a strong reminder that Jesus is the everlasting God who has been and will always be.
A Bold Statement That Sparked Debate
Throughout Jesus’ time on Earth, while teaching His followers and spreading His message of love and compassion, there was confusion about His identity. His bold claims about His connection to God as His Son, and even as God, were met with strong opposition, at times resulting in threats to His life.
Before Abraham Was, “I AM”
“You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to Him, “and you have seen Abraham!”
“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”
At this, they picked up stones to stone Him, but Jesus hid Himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.” – John 8:57-59
In the verse above, Jesus boldly stated, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” This was an affirmation of preexistence and a statement of being divine. He was referencing God’s revelation to Moses. The Jewish leaders interpreted this as Jesus claiming His deity and reacted by wanting to stone Him for blasphemy.
Jesus’ Claim Was a Challenge to Authority
When Jesus spoke of His authority, it was evident that He was more than a prophet or teacher. He was far greater. While the common people saw Him as the promised Messiah, the religious authorities viewed Him as a threat to their influence and beliefs.
The Incredible Meaning of “I AM”
The phrase “I AM” clearly links Jesus with God’s revelation to Moses, where God says, “I AM that I AM.” By saying this, Jesus was telling the religious leaders that He was the same eternal God who had communicated with Moses many years before.
Misunderstanding Leads to Rejection
“From that time, many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.” – John 6:66
Despite Jesus’s declarations regarding His identity, numerous individuals found it challenging to embrace them fully. Some could not comprehend the spiritual depth of His words and chose to walk away, as evidenced by many of His disciples who left following His teaching about consuming His flesh and drinking His blood.
Jesus’ Divinity Was Clearly Revealed
Jesus consistently showcased His nature throughout His ministry. Whether through His miraculous works or His direct claims, He left no room for doubt about His identity as God in the flesh. Even demons knew who He was.
Ready to Confront Challenges Head-On
Jesus didn’t back down from conflict when it came to unveiling His self and identity – even though it posed risks to His safety and well-being. He fearlessly proclaimed Himself as the “I AM,” a declaration that would eventually lead to His sacrifice on the cross.
The Jews Knew What He Meant
When Jesus uttered “I AM,” it held significance beyond a declaration of being present. It alluded directly to the name of God in the Old Testament. It resonated with the leaders as a declaration of equality with God Himself. This perceived assertion of status fueled their swift intent to stone Him.
A Powerful Display of Divinity
“Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to Him, went out and asked them, ‘Who is it you want?’ ‘Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘I am He,’ Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, ‘I am He,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” – John 18:4-5
In the Garden of Gethsemane, a powerful moment unfolded that revealed Jesus’s divine nature. As the soldiers and authorities came to arrest Him, He boldly declared, “I Am He.” This declaration caused those who came to seize Him to stumble and fall to the ground, a remarkable display of His divine authority. Even in the face of arrest, Jesus was in complete control of the situation, showing His strength and sovereignty.
This incredible moment not only demonstrated Jesus’ divine power but also His courage and willingness to face His arrest, knowing the suffering that awaited Him. Despite the overwhelming force of the crowd, His statement of “I AM He” served as a powerful reminder that, even in His submission, He was fully in control.
The Profound Unveiling of God Through Christ
Jesus, the “I AM,” wasn’t just a prophet or teacher. He was God incarnate. Through Him, God revealed Himself fully, demonstrating that He was not distant but present, active, and involved in human history.
Jesus’ Identity Demands a Decision
Jesus’s statements force everyone to make a choice: either to acknowledge Him as the Messiah, the Son of God, and God in the flesh or to dismiss Him as a blasphemer. Declaring His identity as the “I AM” leaves no room for indifference to those who encounter it. How you respond to Jesus is the most important decision you’ll ever make.
The Transformative Power of Recognizing Jesus as the “I AM”
Recognizing Jesus as the “I AM” is more than an idea; it’s a fundamental truth that influences the core beliefs of Christianity. This truth is deeply rooted in His divine authority. It challenges us to see Him as the everlasting God who entered history to save us all.
Whether embraced or denied, His true nature requires a response. Jesus revealing Himself as the “Great I Am” encourages us to establish a personal connection with Him and have faith in His nature while embracing the transformative influence that arises from acknowledging Him as our Savior and Master.
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Susan is a mother of four beautiful babies and a born-again Christian. She took over Hope No Matter What in 2024 and enjoys sharing her knowledge of the goodness and faithfulness of God. Her passion is to bring hope and encouragement to others, and she prays that by sharing her knowledge and personal story, she can inspire others to find enlightenment in God's word.