I AM (pt. 3)
The last few weeks, we've looked at Jesus' "I am" statements as recorded in the gospel of John. In these, the Lord revealed facts about His role as our Saviour. Namely, that He is:
- "the bread of life" (John 6:35)
- "the light of the world (John 8:12)
- "the door of the sheep" (John 10:7)
- "the good shepherd" (John 10:11)
- "the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25)
- "the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6), and
- "the true vine" (John 15:1)
I... AM (John 4:26)
Stopping outside a city of Samaria, on His way from Judea to Galilee, Jesus shared a conversation with a Samaritan woman. It began with a simple request for a drink of water, but resulted in Jesus preaching to the entire community! She perceived that He was a prophet (John 4:19), but Jesus would very soon reveal that He was much more. Upon her mentioning the Messiah, Jesus stated, "I who speak to you am {He}." (John 4:26)
Two things to note about John 4:26.
1) "He" is added by the translators;
2) the Greek literally reads ego eimi, which is "I am".
Jesus' response was a confirmation that He was the Messiah whom she looked for, but in addition to that, is He indicating more? He is not just a prophet, as she suspected. He is not just the Messiah who she looked for; He is I AM, the eternally existing one. Let us consider additional evidence.
I AM (John 8:24)
Having stated that He was not of this world, Jesus then proceeded to say:
Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am {He}, you will die in your sins. (John 8:24)
As with John 4:26, the "He" is not in the original text. Jesus is not saying His hearers must believe that He is some previously mentioned person (ie. I am he), but makes the simple, but powerful statement, "Unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins." What must they believe about Him? That He is I AM! We must believe that Jesus is the eternal God, lest we die in our sins.
“...Jesus identifies Himself as the eternal One - I AM.”
I AM (John 8:28)
In the same context as above, Jesus tells His audience, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am..." Like the previous texts, the word "He" is an addition. Again, as before, Jesus identifies Himself as the eternal One - I AM. He does not say "...you will know that I am this or that...", but very plainly, "...you will know that I am."
I AM (John 8:58)
Jesus mentioned to His hearers that "...Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." (John 8:56). This was an offense to the Jews, as they retorted, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" (John 8:57). Indeed, He had. He makes the powerful claim, "...before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:58. The people understood exactly what He meant, for "...they took up stones to throw at Him..." (v 59; cf. John 5:18; 10:31,33). They knew that Jesus was claiming eternal existence for Himself, in calling Himself, "I AM".
I AM (John 13:19)
After Jesus had shared the Passover with His disciples, and taught a lesson on humility, He revealed that one of them would betray Him. Of this, He spoke:
Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am {He}. (John 13:19).
Jesus' desire was not that His disciples should come to the realization that He was a prophet, or even the Messiah. They knew both facts about Him already. What did He want them to believe? That He is "I AM".
I AM (John 18:5,8)
Later that night, Judas came with a crowd of men from the chief priests. The Lord asked whom they sought. After they said, "Jesus of Nazareth", He simply said "I am" (again, the "He" is added by translators). Note verse 18, "Now when He said to them, 'I AM,' they drew back and fell to the ground." John associates their falling to the ground to His declaration about Himself, "I AM". Again, verse 8, He makes the same assertion, "I AM".
One might discount these, and conclude that Jesus didn't mean anything by using the words "I AM" (Gr. ego eimi). But, such a determination, given the regularlity and context of the statements, and the extreme raction in those who heard Him (8:59; 18:6), would seem inappropriate at best, and a denial of whom He is, at worst. May we believe what He has said of Himself. He is "I AM".
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Answering The Atheist
The Atheist's Complaint:
Are those who believe that Jesus is the Christ "of God"? 1 John 4:2, 15; 5:1 all reveal yes, but Mark 1:23-24; 3:11; 5:2-7; James 2:19 indicate no, that some who believe Jesus to be the Christ are devils. Is there a contradiction?
Response:
Can one acknowledge Jesus as the Christ, and yet not be "of God"? Certainly, as evidenced by the four references about the demons above. The demons knew who Jesus was, but they were not "of God". In fact, people can be guilty of the same, by acknowledging that Jesus has come from God, but refusing to submit to His authority. There is a difference between acknowledging who Jesus is, and confessing or believing in Him.
Let's consider John's statements.
1 John 4:2, 15
By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
5:1
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.
Believe and confess. What is meant by these words? It is not mere acknowledgement of who Jesus is, but those who believe and confess acknowledge who Jesus is, and submit to Him as Lord. This is the consistent message through the Bible. Jesus said, "Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord', and do not do the things that I say?' (Luke 6:46. And again, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord', shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." (Matthew 7:21)
Acknowledging who Jesus is does not make us His people. Acknowledging who Jesus is, and then obeying what He has said does.
There is no contradiction.
This article is in response to Skeptic's Annotated Bible.