7 “I Am” Statements of Jesus in John’s Gospel Explained
Jesus said a lot of things during His time on Earth. But there are some declarations that are particularly important. They are known as “I Am” statements. The 7 “I Am” statements of Jesus have profound significance because they reveal the character of God and the deity of Christ.
With every one of these statements Jesus divulges the very nature of the God of the universe. We don’t have to wonder what God is really like, because Jesus already told us. We merely have to open the Word of God and read these Bible references.
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Old Testament Background of 7 “I Am” Statements of Jesus
Exodus chapter 3 contains the conversation between Moses and God on Mount Horeb. Moses is tending his father-in-law’s sheep when God calls to him out of the midst of a burning bush. God identifies himself by saying “I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”
After He gives Moses the mission to tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go free, God instructs Moses to tell the Jewish people His name.
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
God’s name “I AM” declares that He is self-sufficient, self-existing; the God who was, and is, and is to come.
There are other “I AM” statements in the Old Testament. Here are 10 of them:
- Genesis 15:1 – After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
- Genesis 17:1 – And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
- Exodus 29:46 – And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the LORD their God.
- Isaiah 42:8 – I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
- Isaiah 43:15 – I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.
- Isaiah 44:6 – Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
- Isaiah 44:24 – Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;
- Isaiah 48:17 – Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.
- Isaiah 51:15 – But I am the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is his name.
- Jeremiah 32:27 – Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?
What are the 7 “I Am” Statements of Jesus?
While there are hundreds of “I Am” statements in the Word of God given by God the Father, there are only 7 “I Am” statements of Jesus, and they are all found in the New Testament in the Book of John. This is important to know because it gives us a clue as to why Jesus made these descriptive statements.
As you may know, the apostle John wrote his gospel with the purpose of revealing the deity of Christ. In other words, John wanted readers to know that Jesus was both the son of God and God the Son. He was God in human flesh. He communicated this truth by highlighting the abilities Jesus possessed, and Jesus’ words that echoed what had been said by God the Father in the past.
The 7 “I Am” Statements of Jesus in John
- “I am the Bread of Life” – John 6:35
- “I am the light of the world” – John 8:12
- “I am the door of the sheep” – John 10:7
- “I am the good shepherd” – John 10:11
- “I am the resurrection and the life” – John 11:25
- “I am the way, the truth, and the life” – John 14:6
- “I am the true vine” – John 15:1
I Am the Bread of Life
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
Jesus made this “I Am” statement just a day after He had performed the miracle of feeding over five thousand people with the five barley loaves of physical bread and two small fish.
He describes Himself as the bread of God that came from heaven and gives life to the world. In other words, Jesus is our sufficiency and satisfies the deep spiritual needs of our souls.
Just as God sustained the Israelites in the wilderness with manna, Jesus, the bread of life, fills and fuels every follower of Jesus to live for Him to the glory of God!
I Am the Light of the World
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
The very first recorded words that God spoke are “Let there be light.” At the time, the earth was dark and empty, but the presence of light changed everything. And so it is with Jesus. He brightens the bleakness of a world steeped in sin and shines as a beacon of hope.
Jesus exposes the sin in our hearts and expels the darkness of depression and oppression from the devil.
When Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” He invited people to look to Him for guidance and direction out of their spiritual darkness.
Sometimes the path God wants us to take is unclear. Our hearts can get bogged down with the evil surrounding us. Or we allow sin to get the better of us. All of those circumstances and any other darkness in our lives can be redeemed for God’s glory, if we will simply allow Jesus access to it.
Have you let the light of the world shine on your heart so you can be transformed and lead others to the light as well?
I Am the Door of the Sheep
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 door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
John 10:9
Jesus is the only door, the only One who can allow us entrance into the sheepfold. Walking through the “door,” so to speak, is entering into the peace and protection of God, and the blessedness of eternal life.
There is no other way to God than through faith in Jesus Christ! Have you given your life to Jesus yet? If not, would you do that now?
God loves you and desires a relationship with you. All of your sins have been covered by the blood of Christ, and you can stand before a holy God without shame. There is forgiveness, acceptance, love, grace, mercy, and peace awaiting you.
All you have to do is repent of your sins and believe the gospel – that Jesus died on the cross for your sin and rose again to secure eternal life for you. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) He is good and gracious and kind. You can trust Him with your heart and with your life. No one will love you as Jesus does! He loves every repentant sinner who comes to Him by faith in Jesus’ name.
Jesus is good and gracious and kind. You can trust Him with your heart and with your life. No one will love you as Jesus does!
For more help growing in your walk with God, you’ll want to be sure to check out all these Practical Ways to Get Closer to God Today!
I Am the Good Shepherd
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
John 10:11
There is so much comfort for Christians in this one of the 7 “I Am” statements of Jesus. If you are His sheep, then you never have to worry about a thing. You have a good Shepherd who knows you intimately, loves you deeply, and protects you fiercely! Jesus guides you and provides for your every need. (Psalm 23)
We are told that the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Jesus, as your good Shepherd, died the death you deserved. He took your place on that cross because He loves you that much!
I Am the Resurrection and the Life
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
This “I Am” statement of Jesus was spoken to Martha. Then Jesus raised her brother Lazarus from the dead. This one of the 7 “I Am” statements of Jesus reveals His power to bring the dead back to life.
He not only resurrects people, but Jesus also breathes new life into dead marriages, friendships, and ministries.
As the resurrection and the life, Jesus wields the power to regenerate souls, revive hearts, restore brokenness, renew minds, and revitalize spirits. Jesus is the source of life!
I Am the Way, the Truth, and the 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
Contrary to popular belief, there are not many ways to God. There is only one way. Jesus Christ is the only way. He leads us and directs us in the right path, in truth, enabling us to enjoy an abundant life.
With all of the chaos and confusion in our world today, knowing that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, brings some much-needed clarity and simplicity.
I Am the True Vine
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
John 15:1
Jesus is our Source. Of everything…of physical and spiritual life, strength, and fruitfulness. We can do nothing apart from Him. But we can do all things through Him! We thrive when connected to Jesus!
Jesus stresses the importance of attaching yourself to the right person (HIM) and getting the support you need to prosper.
Don’t be a wild vine that withers away. Connect to Jesus, the true vine, so you can flourish in spiritual growth and bear much fruit for God’s glory.
RELATED: Learn more about Jesus your Saviour with this New study resource!
Why Did Jesus Make the “I Am” Statements?
So what is the significance of these 7 “I Am” statements of Jesus, and why did Jesus make them? The “I Am” Statements in the gospel of John identify Jesus as God, and unveil the nature of God Almighty. That’s why they are so important to know and believe.
Look to Jesus as your bread, light, shepherd, salvation, resurrection, connection, and the only way, truth, and life. When you do, your faith will blossom, and your life will be transformed!
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About the Author – Annie McGuire
Annie is the writer behind Daily His Disciple, where she encourages women to walk in the wisdom of God’s Word daily. Despite her battle with chronic pain and illness, Annie is a Bible teacher and ministry leader. She is also a pastor’s wife, mom of four, and “Granny” to two.
