“I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “I AM!” John 8:58
Of all of Jesus’ names and titles, His revelation as “I AM” is the greatest self-disclosure of His true identity. It is the Name of God, given first to Moses as the most intimate portrait of Who He is and the direct connection to His essence.
This title or name, signifies the eternal nature of God, uncreated. He does not say, “I was,” or “I will be,” but set in the imperfect tense, it declares that He was, is, and will ever be. Indeed, every other title or name of God finds its essence in the signifier of “I AM!”
In Jesus’ final hours, while being unjustly tried before the Sanhedrin, when asked about His true identity, Jesus responded, “I AM!” It created a violent reaction from the hearers and especially the High Priest who tore his robes and declared the statement to be blasphemy and worthy of death. Jesus’ proclamation was a declaration of His divinity and equality with the Father.
And what is our reaction? Do we react against His statement, or do we declare as did Thomas, “my Lord and my God!” and accept Jesus for Who is truly is and obey and worship Him accordingly? Jesus encompasses the full nature of God and calls us to recognize and live this truth in order to know the Way to true Life. For Jesus’ sake, Amen!
Know that you are loved!
Peace and Joy!
Pastor Kilian