The “I am” statements spoken by Jesus in John’s gospel are among the best known and loved verses within the whole Bible. On seven occasions in John’s gospel, Jesus uses the phrase, “I am”, to explain who he is, why he came, and what he offers to those who choose to follow him.
In the introduction to his gospel John writes, “From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another” (John 1:16). All of the “I am” statements reflect this sense of the fulness of life that Christ’s offers. In almost all the contexts in which Jesus made these declarations what he said was disputed. The same is true today.
Yet in these deeply personal sayings Christ offers us himself, and through receiving and responding to his words, we receive Christ, and all that he offers. We find life.