The “I am” statements created a controversial identity of Jesus. The Jewish scholars were well aware of the name that God had given Moses. Exodus 3: 14 God replied to Moses, “I Am Who I Am. Say this to the people of Israel: I Am has sent me to you.[1]
To this point, Jesus had said: I am the Bread of Life, I am the Light of the World, I am the Gate, and I am the Good Shepherd. The Jewish leadership recognized these statements as declarations of Jesus’ divinity. Jesus had also done many miracles that they could only attribute to God. Yet, Jesus wasn’t the political Messiah they expected.
Debates About Jesus
In the fall, after the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus had healed a blind man. This was something no one else had ever done. Yet some people attributed this to demons and not God. John 10: 19 When he (Jesus) said these things, the people were again divided in their opinions about him. 20 Some said, “He’s demon possessed and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?” 21 Others said, “This doesn’t sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” [2]
This debate continued into the winter months. When Jesus went to the Temple to celebrate Hanukkah, the people had more questions. John 10: 24 The people surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
25 Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name.[3]
Why Didn’t Just Plainly Say He Was the Messiah?
Jesus had plainly told the Samaritan woman at the well that He was the Messiah. John 4: 26 Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah![4] Yet, Jesus did not do the same for the Jewish people. Why? The term “Messiah” had huge political overtones to the Jews. They wanted a Messiah who would overthrow the Romans and bring back the nation of Israel. That was not Jesus’ mission. Thus, Jesus chose to demonstrate God’s works or miracles and to declare that He was the Son of God.
Jesus also knew that they wouldn’t listen. He had repeatedly told them and given proof through miracles but they continued to reject Him. John 10: 31 Once again the people picked up stones to kill him. 32 Jesus said, “At my Father’s direction I have done many good works. For which one are you going to stone me?”
33 They replied, “We’re stoning you not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God.” [5]
Who is Jesus?
God sent Jesus to pay the price for our sin that we could not pay. As we believe and follow Jesus, He offers us the gift of a renewed relationship with God. This happens as soon as we believe and continues to eternity. The mission of Jesus continues through us, the church. We are to invite the world to experience His transforming power of love and grace. To find out more about the controversial identity of Jesus, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-good-shepherd
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.