I keep hearing that there are 7 “I am” statements of Jesus recorded in John’s gospel. I know a lot of Christians have a fondness for the number 7, but there are a lot more than 7 “I am” statements.
Here are the “I am” statements spoken by Jesus in John’s Gospel:
- I am … the Messiah (John 4:25-26)
- I am the bread of life which came down from heaven (6:35 & 41);
- I am the living bread (6:51);
- I am the light of the world (8:12 and 9:5);
- I am from above … I am not of this world (8:23)
- I am … the Son of Man (8:28);
- “before Abraham was, I am.” (8:58)
- I am the gate for the sheep (10:7 & 9);
- I am the good shepherd (10:11 & 14);
- I am God’s Son (10:36)
- I am in the Father (10:38 and 14:10-11 & 20 and 17:21)
- I am … Teacher and Lord (13:13)
- I am the way, and the truth, and the Life (14:6)
- I am the resurrection and the life (11:25);
- I am the true vine (15:1, 5).
- I am King of the Jews (18:37; 19:21)
And why stop at the “I am” statements to find out who Jesus is? John had a lot more to say about Jesus in his Gospel.
- The Word (John 1:1, 14)
- Lamb of God (1:29, 36)
- Glorious / zealous (2:11, 17)
- Son of man / God (3:13-16)
- Son of God (5:19-23)
- King of the Jews (12:13,15; 19:19)
- Sent by God (16:5)
- Source of peace (16:33)
- Preexistence (17:24)
- God (1:1; 10:30)
- Friend (15:13-15)
- Lord and God (20:28).
So if you are doing a sermon series or Bible Study series on who is Jesus from the Gospel of John, please don’t stop at 7. I hope my lists help.
