This Lenten season, we will focus in worship on the “I Am” sayings in the gospel of John. Jesus says “I Am” – in Greek transliterated “ei/mi” – forty-five times, including when other characters quote his words. The first is in 4:26, when Jesus says to the Samaritan woman at the well “I am he, the one who is speaking to you” in response to her “I know that Messiah is coming.” Literally, Jesus says: “I am, the one speaking with you.” Finally, on the way to the cross, Jesus declares “I am” three times, in a dramatic encounter .
These statements are intended to connect the earthly presence of Jesus with his divinity, for in the Hebrew Bible the meaning of God’s name is closely related to “I am.” In Hebrew, God’s name is indicated with four letters. This is often transliterated YHWH in English. YHWH is literally “I am.”
This first appears in Exodus 3:14 as God says to Moses, “I am who I am.” God continues addressing Moses, giving him a charge: “Say this to the people of Israel, I AM has sent me to you.”
In the Gospel of John, the second time Jesus refers to himself as “I am” is in chapter 6:20 when he speaks to the disciples in the midst of a storm, saying: “It is I; do not be afraid” as he walks on water toward them. Literally, Jesus says: “I am, do not be afraid.” John 6:35 is the focus for the first Sunday of Lent: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Jesus proclaims this after the miracle of feeding five thousand people from five barley loaves and two fish.
In John chapter 8 Jesus says: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Chapter ten brings a metaphor connected to the beloved 23rd Psalm: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep,” “I know my own and my own know me.”
In John chapter 11 the raising of Lazarus from the dead is the setting for Jesus to proclaim: “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” When Jesus washes the disciples’ feet the night before his death, he says: “You call me Teacher and Lord – and you are right, for that is what I am.” During the long discourse after the last meal and before his arrest, Jesus says: “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” In chapter 15 Jesus offers another metaphor: “I am the true vine, you are the branches.”
As Jesus is approached by those who wish to arrest him, “Jesus, knowing all that is to happen to him, comes forward and asks them, “Whom are you looking for?” They answer: “ Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replies, “I am he, ” literally, “I am.” His answer causes them to step back and fall to the ground, such that they must ask the question one more time, and Jesus answers yet again. Finally, Jesus says: “I told you that I am (he) so, if you seek me, let these men go.” Thus, in this encounter on the way to the cross, Jesus says “I am” three times.
This Lenten season, may we encounter the Jesus who beckons us to come to him, saying “I am the one speaking with you;” “I am, do not be afraid!” “I am the bread of life! “ “I am the light of the world!” I am the good shepherd!” “I am the resurrection and the life!” “I am the way, the truth and the life!” “I am the vine!” and ultimately, “I am the one you are seeking!”
Blessings,
Brenda
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