The Power of “I Am”: Discovering True Identity and Connection

Although there are countless voices constantly vying for our attention, there’s one voice that stands out above all others – the voice of the great “I Am.” First uttered by God to Moses at the burning bush, this declaration echoes through time and eternity to find its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

The concept of “I Am” is more than just a simple phrase; it’s a declaration of eternal existence, of being beyond the constraints of time and space. It’s a concept that challenges our human understanding, as we struggle to comprehend a Being that has always existed, uncreated and eternal. This divine nature, however, didn’t remain distant and unknowable. In an act of incredible love and humility, the eternal God took on human flesh, subjecting Himself to the limitations and sufferings of mortality.

Through Jesus, the invisible God became visible. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, allowing us to see and know the Father in a tangible way. This incarnation of divinity provides us with a unique opportunity to understand God’s attributes and character in a relatable, human context.

Throughout the Gospel of John, we encounter a series of powerful “I Am” statements from Jesus, each revealing a different facet of His divine nature and purpose:

• “I am the Messiah” – Jesus declares His role as the long-awaited Savior.

• “I am the bread of life” – He offers spiritual sustenance that truly satisfies.

• “I am the light of the world” – Jesus illuminates the darkness of sin and ignorance.

• “I am the door” – He provides the only way to enter into relationship with God.

• “I am the good shepherd” – Jesus cares for and protects His flock.

• “I am the resurrection and the life” – He holds power over death and offers eternal life.

• “I am the way, the truth, and the life” – Jesus is the exclusive path to the Father.

• “I am the true vine” – He is the source of spiritual life and fruitfulness.

These statements are not mere metaphors; they are exclusive truth claims that challenge our modern notions of relativism and inclusivity. In a culture that often shies away from absolute truths, Jesus boldly declares that He is the only way to the Father, the embodiment of truth itself, and the source of genuine life.

The resurrection of Lazarus serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ authority over life and death. By raising Lazarus from the dead after four days – beyond the point where Jewish belief held any hope for revival – Jesus proves His divine power and validates His claim to be the resurrection and the life.

But what does this mean for us today? How do we apply these truths to our daily lives?

The key lies in the concept of “remaining” or “abiding” in Christ. Just as branches must stay connected to the vine to bear fruit, we must maintain a close connection with Jesus to experience true spiritual growth and productivity. This isn’t about perfecting our behavior or following a set of rules; it’s about cultivating a relationship with the living God.

Many of us struggle with this concept of remaining connected. We may feel disconnected, guilty, or inadequate. We might try to clean ourselves up before approaching God, not realizing that He invites us to come as we are. The good news is that Jesus doesn’t demand perfection from us; He simply asks us to stay connected to Him.

Practically speaking, this means dedicating time to prayer, reading Scripture, and quiet reflection. It might feel awkward or challenging at first, especially in our fast-paced, constantly connected world. Our minds may wander, or we might struggle to focus. But like any skill, connecting with God improves with practice.

Start small – even just five minutes a day can make a difference. As you build this habit of remaining in Christ, you’ll likely find that it becomes easier and more natural over time. You may begin to see changes in your life, bearing the kind of fruit that Jesus produced: love, compassion, healing, and transformation.

It’s important to remember that this isn’t about earning God’s love or favor. It’s about positioning ourselves to receive what He freely offers. When we remain connected to the true vine, we allow His life to flow through us, producing fruit that brings glory to the Father.

To this day, Jesus hasn’t changed. He still offers Himself as the way, the truth, and the life. He invites us to find our identity and purpose in Him, to root ourselves in His unchanging nature. As we do so, we discover that He is indeed the bread that satisfies our deepest hunger, the light that dispels our darkness, and the shepherd who guides us through life’s challenges.

The “I Am” statements of Jesus are an open invitation to experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. They challenge us to move beyond surface-level religion and into a deep, transformative relationship with the living God.

So today, let’s choose to remain connected to the true vine. Let’s allow the great “I Am” to define our identity and shape our reality. As we do, we’ll find ourselves bearing fruit that not only changes our own lives but also impacts the world around us – all for the glory of the Father.

—–

Here’s a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide:

Day 1: The Great I AM
Reading: Exodus 3:13-15, John 8:54-58 

Devotional: God’s self-revelation as “I AM” is a profound declaration of His eternal nature and unchanging character. Jesus’ bold claim to be the “I AM” connects Him directly to the God of the Old Testament, revealing His divinity. Today, reflect on what it means for Jesus to be the eternal, self-existent God who has entered into human history. How does this truth impact your understanding of His authority and ability to meet your deepest needs?

—–

Day 2: The Bread of Life
Reading: John 6:35-40

Devotional: Jesus declares Himself to be the Bread of Life, the source of true spiritual nourishment. Just as physical bread sustains our bodies, Jesus sustains our souls. Consider the areas of your life where you feel empty or unfulfilled. How can you turn to Jesus to satisfy your spiritual hunger? Spend time in prayer, asking Him to fill you with His presence and to help you find your satisfaction in Him alone.

—–

Day 3: The Light of the World
Reading: John 8:12-20

Devotional: As a wonderful contrast to the darkness we feel at times, Jesus proclaims Himself as the Light of the World. His light dispels spiritual darkness, reveals truth, and guides our path. Reflect on areas of your life where you need clarity or direction. How can you allow Jesus’ light to illuminate your decisions and actions? Ask God to help you walk in His light today, shining His truth in your interactions with others.

—–

Day 4: The Way, the Truth, and the Life
Reading: John 14:1-7

Devotional: Jesus’ exclusive claim to be the way, the truth, and the life challenges our culture’s relativistic views. This statement affirms that true life and access to God the Father come only through Him. Examine your own beliefs and actions. Are there areas where you’ve compromised this truth to fit in with societal norms? Pray for courage to stand firm in your faith and to lovingly share this truth with others who are seeking the way to God.

—–

Day 5: The True Vine
Reading: John 15:1-8

Devotional: Jesus’ metaphor of the vine and branches beautifully illustrates our need for constant connection to Him. Remaining in Christ is not about perfection, but about maintaining a living relationship with Him. Evaluate your spiritual practices. Are you consistently spending time in prayer, Bible study, and worship? These are not mere religious duties but vital connections to the source of your spiritual life. Commit to developing habits that keep you closely connected to Jesus, the True Vine, and ask Him to produce His fruit in your life.