70 – The I am’s of Jesus

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 KJV

The name of a thing tells a lot about its nature. If a person sees a strange creature and is told that it is a dog, even though it is a breed that he may not have seen before, he can begin to put pieces together to figure out what to expect from this creature. For one, it will bark and it is a mammal. If there are features unique to that breed, this person can safely assume that the next time he sees the same breed, the features should be the same. In revealing Himself to man, God decided to give man the name I AM, which simply means I exist or I become. This name speaks of the self-existing nature of God, but also His ability to meet any need a man would ever need.

Throughout the scriptures, God had added an extra description to particular individuals, depending on their needs. To some, He was the father of the fatherless, to some a provider, to some a consuming fire, to some a King. Nonetheless, none of these box God or strip Him of His ability to be whatever He needs to be. Jesus is the greatest revelation of God to man. He is all man will ever see when referring to God, John 14:7-9. In essence, if you see Jesus, you see the Father. When on the earth, He also revealed himself as I AM, John 8:58, and was almost killed for it. In relation to His ministry to us, there were seven key names that He called Himself when describing His ministry to us, giving us unique ways to benefit from His person.

1. I am the bread of Life – (John 6:32-35, 48-58). Jesus did not just call Himself the bread of Life, but that bread of life. This means that there is one bread that gives life. He said that any who feeds on Him will live forever. The bread is His Word that gives life.
2. “I am the light of the world” – John 8:12, John 1:4,-5. Whereas the World lies in darkness, Jesus promised His disciples that if we follow Him, we will never walk in darkness. He is the light for every and any situation. His light comes with wisdom and understanding. This light grows the more we fellowship with Him. 1 John 1:7.
3. “I am the door” – John 10:1-9 – This does not negate the existence of other doors, but there is only one door that leads to Salvation and Jesus claimed that He is that door. It also means He reserves the right to open to who He pleases. The christian life is in stages. He opens a door for His sheep to find pasture and higher experiences. Knowing the door also gives us an assurance that when we knock, He will answer.
4. “I am the good shepherd”. – John 10:10-18, Psalm 23 – Him being the shepherd means we are sheep. He is not just a shepherd, but the only shepherd that is good and actually cares for the sheep. As a shepherd, it is His responsibility to feed, protect, guide and lead the sheep. He also makes it His responsibility to win the trust of the sheep, so that none is lost.
5. “I am the resurrection and the Life” – John 11:25-26 – The Resurrection is a person! And He lives on the inside of you. Romans 8:11. He is eternal life. John 3:6, 1 John 5:20.   Resurrection is a process. As we behold Him in His word and through His Spirit, we are changed to His likeness, 2 Corinthians 3:7-8, and we shall also be changed to be of His very nature. 2 Peter 1:4. Our change from mortality to immortality, corruption to incorruption is not coming from outside, but from within! 1 Corinthians 15:52-54, Philippians 3:20-21.
6. “I am the way, the truth and the life” – John 14:1-7 – This is an emphatic statement that left no room for questioning. The search for truth is a burning question in the minds of every sincere human being, hence the many religions. Truth is a person; hence He is constant. It is knowledge of this truth that will set you free. If He is truth, then everything else, contrary to Him is a lie. Before believing anything, check if you can see Jesus in it, that is, if it is consistent with His Word.
7. “I am the true vine” – John 15:1-10 – Jesus is the true vine, therefore by implication, there is a false vine. If we want to bring the fruits of righteousness, the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) , we must remain in Him. John 15:4-5. Fruits of the false vines can be seen in Galatians 5:19-21, heralded by the man of sin, Satan. Its end is death, Romans 6:23, Romans 8:6. As we remain in Him, it is only natural to bear the fruit of the Spirit, love. If this is not the case, ask yourself which vine you are receiving nutrients from: the world, the devil or Jesus.

The bible says the name of the Lord is a strong tower, that provides salvation for the righteous. Are you experiencing death of any kind today, sickness, spiritual laxity? Call on the resurrection and the life! Are you needing direction? Call on the light of the World and the Way! Are you needing to bear the fruit of the Spirit in your life? Call on the Vine! Are you Hungry? Call on the bread of life! As we call on these names in faith, we are guaranteed salvation and life!

Prayer for today: Lord Jesus I call on your name today. I recognize that You are my light and so I will not walk in darkness. Because You are My good Shepherd, I will not lack anything good! As I feed on You, the Bread of life, I know that I have received your resurrection power that sustains me in life. Help me to remain in You today, My true vine! You are the only way I will go, the only truth I recognize and my true and eternal life! Amen.