The Father sent Jesus, and Jesus wanted His followers to know this, as it was part of His identity. John records seven “I am” statements that Jesus made. The term “I am” was the name God gave for Himself to Moses at the burning bush. When the Jews heard Jesus use this term, they knew exactly what Jesus meant. Each time Jesus made an “I am” statement, He also discussed how the Father had sent Him.
I Am Statement and Teaching About the Father
- I am the Bread of Life. John 6: 27For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval…29 Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” [1]
- I am the Light of the World. John 8:16b The Father who sent me is with me… 18 I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other. [2]
- I am the Gate and the Good Shepherd. John 10: 15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father… 17 “The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again… 18b For this is what my Father has commanded.” [3]
- I am the Resurrection and the Life. John 11: 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” [4]
- I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14: 7 If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him![5]
- I am the Vine. John 15: 1“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener… 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me.[6]
Jesus and the Father are One
As Jesus teaches Philip and the other disciples, He shows how He and the Father are one. John 14:9 Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in m. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do. [7]
As humans, we may struggle to comprehend the concept of the Trinity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three individual persons but one being. Jesus knew His disciples, and we struggle with this. If believing this oneness is too difficult, at least believe the works Jesus has done. His death and resurrection have given us our salvation. Jesus paid the blood price for our sins and we receive the gift of life with Him as we believe. Be sure the Father sent Jesus out of love for us. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-way-the-truth-and-the-life
[1-7] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.