The Impact of “I Am”

1. When the people around Jesus heard Him speak the words “I am,” their minds almost certainly made the leap to an Old Testament story that was familiar to every 1st-century Jew: the story of Moses and the burning bush. Read Ex. 3:1-15 . What do you think God was trying to communicate when He called Himself “I AM”?

2. If you have a study Bible, commentary, or Bible dictionary, investigate further the meaning of the name “I AM.” Record your insights here.

3. What do the following verses tell you about the reverence due to God’s name?

Lev. 22:1-3

Dt. 28:58-63

Ezk. 36:22-23

4. In light of this, why do you think Jesus’ use of the words “I am” were so unsettling to His hearers?

Object Lessons

Let’s look at some of Jesus’ “I am” statements in more depth. Each statement is followed by several related verses. The first passage in each list is the original context for the statement. Once you read the appropriate verses, answer the questions that follow.

5. The light of the world: Jn. 8:12-13 , 9:1-41 ; Is. 9:2 ; Jn. 1:1-9 , 12:34-36 ; 2 Cor. 4:4-6 ; Rev. 21:23

• Describe the context in which Jesus made this statement.

• How did people respond?

• Jesus made this statement shortly after the Feast of the Tabernacles (see John 7 ). Using a Bible reference book, look up the significance of light in the Feast of the Tabernacles. Record your observations here.

• What are the characteristics and uses of light?

• What words and emotions do you associate with the word darkness?

• By comparing Himself to light, what does Jesus want us to know about Him?

• What human need is Jesus addressing by this statement?

• What practical difference does it make in your life that Jesus is the light of the world?

6. The bread of life: Jn. 6:1-59 ; Is. 25:6-9 , 55:1-2 ; Lk. 22:7-23

• Describe the context in which Jesus made this statement.

• How did people respond?

• What are some qualities and uses of bread?

• By using this physical object, what does Jesus want us to know about Him?

• What human need is Jesus addressing by this statement?

• In what areas has Jesus satisfied your hunger?

7. The gate/door: Jn. 10:1-10 ; Ro. 5:1-2 ; Eph. 2:14-18 , 3:12 ; Heb. 10:19-22 ; Rev. 3:8

• What are the characteristics of a door or gate?

• By using this physical object, what does Jesus want us to know about Him?

• What happens to the person who goes through this gate?

• What human need is Jesus addressing here?

8. The good shepherd: Jn. 10:11-20 , Psalm 23 , Ezk. 34:1-16 ,

Mt. 9:36 , Lk. 15:3-7 , 1 Pet. 2:25

• What are some characteristics of a good shepherd?

• In contrast, how does Jesus describe a bad shepherd?

• By comparing Himself to a good shepherd, what is Jesus trying to tell us about Himself?

• What human need is Jesus addressing by this statement?

• What happens to the sheep that follow the good shepherd?

• How have you experienced this in your life?

9. The way: Jn. 14:1-7 ; Ex. 14:1-22 ; Is. 35:8-10 , 40:1-5 , 42:16 ; Jer. 6:16-21

• Describe the context in which Jesus made this statement.

• How would this statement bring comfort to its hearers?

• What are some characteristics of a highway?

• What do you think Jesus is trying to tell us about Himself?

• How is Jesus’ function as the way different from His function as the gate or door?

• What human need is Jesus addressing by this statement?

• What are some other “ways” we follow as we try to meet our needs?

• How is Jesus a superior way to other paths you’ve taken in life?

10. The vine: Jn. 15:1-8 ; Ps. 80:8-19 ; Is. 5:1-7 , 11:1-3 , 27:1-6 ; Hos. 10:1-2 , 14:4-8 ; Jn. 12:24-25 ; Ro. 8:38-39

• What are some characteristics of vines?

• What are some characteristics of branches?

• When a branch is connected to the vine, what is the result?

• What happens when a branch loses its connection with the vine?

• By using this physical object, what does Jesus want us to know about Him?

• What human need is Jesus addressing by this statement?

• How might your day be different if you approached it as a branch rather than a vine?

11. The truth: Jn. 14:1-7 ; Jn. 1:14-17 , 7:25-29 , 8:31-47 , 18:28-38 ;

1 Jn. 5:20

• By making this statement, what does Jesus want us to know about Him?

• What human need is Jesus addressing by this statement?

• How did coming to Christ bring greater truth into your life?

• What truths about Christ do you think are hardest for people to accept today and why?

12. The resurrection and the life: Jn. 11:1-47 , Jn. 1:4 , Acts 2:22-39 , 1 Cor. 6:14 , 2 Cor. 13:4 , 1 Thess. 4:13-18 , 1 Pet. 1:3-5 , 1 Jn. 5:11-12

• Describe the context in which Jesus made this statement.

• How did people respond?

• By making this statement, what does Jesus want us to know about Him?

• What human need is Jesus addressing by this statement?

• In what ways has Jesus brought resurrection to your life?

13. The Alpha and Omega: Rev. 1:8 , 17-18 , 21:5-6 , 22:13 ; Is. 9:7 ; Dan. 7:13-14 ; Mic. 5:2 ; Lk. 1:32-33 ; Jn. 1:1-3 , 8:56-59 ; 1 Cor. 8:6 ;

Col. 1:15-17 ; Heb. 1:1-2 , 13:8

• What do we usually mean when we use the phrase “from A to Z”?

• By using this phrase, what is Jesus telling us about Himself?

• What human need is Jesus addressing by this statement?

• How does knowing that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega affect your attitudes and actions?

Putting the Pieces Together

14. Which of the “I am” statements in this study is most meaningful to you at this stage of your life? Why?

15. Which statement would you like to understand more fully? Why?