Wasson column 7-6-24: Seven statements of Jesus

In Exodus Chapter 3, Moses encounters the burning bush near the mountain of Horeb, known as the mountain of God. As Moses focuses on the burning bush, he is met with a divine revelation. God speaks to him about his mission to lead Israel out of captivity from Egypt, identifying himself as the God of his forefathers. When Moses asks for God's name to tell the people, God responds, “I am who I am.”

Contrary to some beliefs, Jesus did make bold claims about his divinity. The gospel of John records seven unique statements in which Jesus unequivocally identifies himself using the phrase “I am.” These statements are not blasphemous but profound declarations of his true nature.

Jesus' references in the gospel of John were not lost on his first-century Jewish audience. His signs and wonders, his forgiveness of sins-actions that only God can perform-all pointed to his divine nature, a fact that his audience immediately grasped.

Jesus' first statement is, “I am the bread of life.” Earlier, he had fed the 5,000 with one boy’s lunch. The people saw Jesus's provision and wanted to make him their king. However, Jesus was not interested in establishing an earthly kingdom then. As bread sustains physical life, Jesus offers the gift of eternal life.

In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” In his second statement, Jesus says that those who believe in him will avoid sin and live righteous lives because they will have moral clarity. The idea of darkness indicates hidden evil deeds, whereas the light exposes things hidden in the dark.

The third “I am” statement is, “I am the door of the sheep.” In this figure of speech, Jesus says he is like a shepherd who places his body at the opening at the entrance of the fold. Predators cannot get them, but he knows each sheep’s coming and going.

Jesus further describes himself as the 'good shepherd.' This is a stark contrast to the hireling shepherd, who would abandon the sheep at the first sign of danger. Jesus is willing to lay down his life for his sheep, a truth he demonstrated through his death, burial, and resurrection.

Fifth, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” He says this shortly before raising Lazarus from the dead in John Chapter 11. Jesus says that the person who believes in him will have eternal life.

The sixth “I am” statement Jesus makes is, “I am the way, truth, and the life.” Jesus claims that no one can come to Father God by any other means than through him. Jesus is the source of all truth and knowledge about God, negating the belief that all religions lead to the same place.

Jesus says, “I am the true vine” in his seventh statement. He explains that only a branch connected to the source of life can produce fruit. A branch that does not produce fruit is dead and needs to be pruned to preserve the vine's health. A healthy branch will produce good fruit according to its nature.

When it comes to whether a person is a faithful follower of Christ, we can examine what kind of fruit is produced in their life. It is concerning when we encounter someone who claims to be a Christian but has hatred for an individual or a group of people. While we may disagree with some people or groups, a faithful follower of Christ will want everyone to find salvation and forgiveness through a personal relationship with Jesus.

Studying the Bible is essential for forming opinions about Jesus and understanding what God expects from his people.

Shawn Wasson, D.Min., is the pastor of Bethany Baptist Church.