So much has been said about Jesus. Sermons have been preached about him, books have been written about him, songs have been composed to worship him, and stories have been shared about him. 

All of these efforts aim to help us understand and recognize the most important person who has ever lived. To truly know Jesus, to discover who he is and what his role is in our lives, there are no better words than those he uses to describe himself.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore the words Jesus uses to describe himself in the Gospel of John.

Knowing Who Is Calling

We’ve all done it.

Your phone rings. It’s an unknown number.

You hesitate.

Should I answer?

But when the name of someone you know and trust appears on the screen, there’s no hesitation. You answer because you recognize the caller.

Our relationship with God works much the same way.

The better we know who Jesus is, the more confidently we’ll trust and follow Him and recognize His voice.

Throughout history, people have asked one question more than almost any other: Who is God?

Jesus answered that question in a remarkable way.

Only in John’s Gospel does Jesus make seven powerful “I AM” statements. He doesn’t simply tell us what He can do—He reveals who He is.

“I am the Bread of Life.”

“I am the Light of the World.”

“I am the gate.”

“I am the Good Shepherd.”

“I am the Resurrection and the Life.”

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” 

“I am the true vine.”

These are more than titles—they are personal invitations to encounter Jesus in that way. Each metaphor highlights a distinct aspect of His character and ministry.

They show how God connects with his people in practical, relational ways.

The words “I AM” weren’t chosen by accident. They trace back to Moses standing before the burning bush, when God revealed Himself as “I AM WHO I AM.” By using that same name, Jesus wasn’t merely offering wise teaching—He was declaring that He is God in the flesh, the promised Messiah who came to rescue humanity.

Over the next seven weeks, we’ll slow down to explore each of these extraordinary statements. My prayer is that they won’t simply increase your knowledge of Jesus but deepen your relationship with Him.

Because when we truly know who is calling, we answer differently.

Reflection: Which of Jesus’ “I AM” statements are you most eager to explore, and what might God want to reveal about Himself to you through that statement?