Jesus, the Great I AM (Exodus 3:7-17, John 8:58)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
22 May 2022
Names are important. Some parents go to great length to choose a suitable name for their newborn. The Bible has numerous names connected to people and events as for instance, Ebenezer and Emmanuel.
In Exodus 3:6-17 the Lord reveals his name as I AM. Israel was in bondage in Egypt. The Lord came and through Moses revealed his name as I AM.
Note two things about the name I AM. First, it is singular—one person. God's purpose was to deliver his people by one person. Secondly, it indicates a living being—AM. The name indicates a person who is self existent and who lives forever. This can only be God.
Jesus claimed he was the I AM (John 8:58). This meant he was claiming to be God. For this he was rejected. Even while he was dying he was rejected and taunted. The crowd cried out that if he was the Son of God he should come down from the cross (Matt.27:40).
Jesus is the manifestation of I AM being the one person who lives forever. In the garden of Eden the Lord told the serpent that the seed of Eve would bruise his head. Seed is singular—one person. There is only one seed of Eve and he is Jesus. There is only one I AM and he is Jesus. There is only one Son of David and he is Jesus.
The name I AM reveals certain things about God. It reveals his mercy and faithfulness. Mercy is seen in his coming to Israel and bringing them up from Egypt (3:16). Faithfulness is seen in his keeping the promise given to the patriarchs (3:8,17).
The name I AM also reveals God's justice and judgment. He would justly plunder Egypt for its wrongdoings (3:22). He would also judge the multiplicity of Egyptian gods; the dead gods of Egypt namely the idols; the false gods and also the notion that there is no God, that is, atheism.
Jesus the great I AM continued the work of deliverance on earth. The seven sayings of I AM in John's gospel show the comprehensive care Jesus has for his people. In this respect the seven I AMs in John’s gospel reflect Psalm 23 where we see the comprehensive care of the Shepherd for his flock.
Consider the I AMs of John's gospel.
I AM the bread of life. The Lord fed Israel with food from heaven. Jesus the great I AM went further than physical food for he provides spiritual food for our souls.
I AM the light of the world. The Lord gave Israel light by the pillar of cloud and fire. Jesus is our light to brighten the way before us. Why stumble in darkness when the light is here?
I AM the door of the sheep. Jesus is the door through which we must pass through. A door leads to something new. All who pass through Jesus the door will enter into the new heaven and earth.
I AM the good shepherd. A good shepherd will give his life for the protection of his flock. Jesus has done this. He died to save his people from death.
I AM the resurrection and the life. How tragic that most people leave this life with no hope. They take a leap into darkness. But Jesus is the resurrection and the life and they who believe in him though they die yet they shall live (John 11:25).
I AM the way and the truth and the life. This statement of Jesus teaches that he is all we need in life. Just as Israel would find all sufficiency in God so Christians find all sufficiency in Jesus the great I AM.
I AM the vine. Being connected to Jesus the true vine ensures a fruitful life. He is the source of meaningful and purposeful living. Without this connection the branch is withering. With it the branch is fruitful.
What should our response be to the I AMs in John’s gospel? The same as Israel's. We are required to repent and trust in the Lord—the great I AM, Jesus Christ. John writes that we should believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
Come now even before the end of this meeting. Believe in Jesus and you will have life. He is the great I AM. He is God come in the flesh to save his people from their sins. Receive him right now by praying for your salvation. Trust in the work of Jesus and not your own works. Then you will be saved.