Divine Names
I AM
The Eternal Self-Existent One
Description
When Jesus declared 'Before Abraham was, I AM,' He claimed the divine name revealed to Moses at the burning bush. The Jews understood this claim to deity—they took up stones to kill Him for blasphemy. Throughout John's Gospel, Jesus uses 'I AM' statements that echo Yahweh's self-revelation: I am the bread of life, the light of the world, the door, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth, and the life, the true vine. Each 'I AM' reveals Christ's sufficiency for every human need.
Key Verses
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
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.
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.