Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

John 8:12

They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Search the Scriptures and see for yourself—no prophet ever comes from Galilee!”
John 7:52

• The Gospel of John was written with a clear, stated purpose: "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31 ESV).
• John proves Christ's deity through two main ways: seven miraculous signs and seven powerful "I AM" statements.
• The phrase "I AM" (Egō Eimi in Greek) is not just an identification; it is a direct claim to divinity, echoing God's self-revelation to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14).
• Today, we look at the seven ways Jesus applies this divine title to Himself, forcing every reader to make a decision about who He is.

• 1. I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:35, 48, 51)
  
  • Need Addressed: Spiritual Hunger and Sustenance.
  • Jesus made this statement after feeding the 5,000. He is the true manna sent from heaven. Anyone who comes to Him will never be hungry again.
• 2. I AM the Light of the World (John 8:12; 9:5)
  
  • Need Addressed: Spiritual Blindness and Darkness.
  • Spoken during the Feast of Tabernacles, where two large lampstands symbolized the divine presence. Jesus asserts He is the fulfillment of that presence. He is the ultimate truth; following Him prevents one from walking in the darkness of sin or ignorance.
• 3. I AM the Door (or Gate) (John 10:7, 9)
  
  • Need Addressed: Exclusion and Access.
  • Jesus is the only way to the Father ("the sheep"). He provides access to salvation and safe pasture (eternal life).
• 4. I AM the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14)
  
  • Need Addressed: Direction, Security, and Leadership.
  • Unlike hired hands, the Good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep. He offers personal, sacrificial care and absolute security.

• 5. I AM the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
  
  • Need Addressed: Mortality and the Fear of Death.
  • Spoken to Martha before raising Lazarus. Jesus is not just the path to life, He is life itself. Believing in Him means that even if a person dies physically, they will live eternally.
• 6. I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)
  
  • Need Addressed: Meaning, Guidance, and Existence.
  • This is the most comprehensive statement. Jesus is the only Way to the Father, the absolute Truth that reveals reality, and the source of Life for eternity. There is no alternative route or valid claim outside of Him.
• 7. I AM the True Vine (John 15:1, 5)
  
  • Need Addressed: Fruitfulness and Dependence.
  • He is the source of all spiritual vitality and production. To bear any fruit (spiritual growth, good works), we must remain connected to Him. Separation means spiritual death.

By using the phrase "I AM" seven times, Jesus repeatedly identifies Himself with the God of Israel. John presents Jesus not as a great teacher, but as the self-existent, all-sufficient God who has condescended to meet our deepest needs.

• When Jesus says, "I AM the Door," He implies there is no other door. When He says, "I AM the Life," He implies anything else is death. John forces the reader out of the comfortable middle ground.

• C.S. Lewis's Trilemma: If Jesus made these claims, He is either a Liar, a Lunatic, or Lord.

• John's entire Gospel, summarized by these seven statements, is a direct challenge to the reader: Believe and live, or reject and remain dead. You cannot accept the "Bread" without accepting the "Resurrection." You must accept the full authority of the One who claims to be the great "I AM."
• The Great I AM

The seven "I AM" statements are not titles of recommendation; they are declarations of essential being. They demand a response: Will you trust the I AM with your hunger, your darkness, your guidance, and your death?

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