By Shirley Rosemarie Evans
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. (John 1:14 NLT)
Who is Jesus? It seems that in every age of history, in fact since the day that He made His unremarkable arrival, born in a nondescript inn and laid in the feeding trough, this question that has confounded some, outraged others, confused and puzzled many more. Yet for many, it has been the declaration of faith. It is the question that Jesus Himself posed to His disciples. “Who do you say that I am.”
The disciples responded by saying that some thought he was Moses or Elijah and even John the Baptist. As we look at present-day examples, man is still questioning: Who is Jesus? Some still say today that He is one of the prophets. Muslims regard Jesus highly, saying He was a prophet - not as great as Mohammed but a prophet nonetheless. They even acknowledge the virgin birth but do not believe He rose from the dead. Mormons believe He is Deity but not equal to God. Hindus and Buddhists respect His enlightenment
But what does Jesus say? In John's gospel account, Jesus makes seven proclamations known as the seven “I am,” statements. Generally, each statement would provide a picture of the man, the mission, and the ministry of Jesus here on earth. The term “I am,” would not have been unfamiliar to the primarily Jewish audience of Jesus’s day and the implications would have been clear.
In Exodus 3 when God appeared to Moses at the burning bush and sent Moses on the mission to tell Pharoah to let His people go, God told Moses that He was the “I AM WHO I AM.” “I am,” is His name.
When Jesus applies the “I Am” to Himself, the declaration is clear. He is God. He is God who is with us (John 8:58). Not simply a good man or a great prophet or enlightened teacher. Rather He is the divine, eternal, pre-existent, infinite, perfect Being. He took on humanity and was exposed to all the experiences common to man:- Hunger, poverty, persecution etc. Yet He was without sin. He dwelt with man so that man might know God, be reconciled to God, and enjoy the abundant life in God as promised in His word.
Over the next seven days, we will delve into the delight of each I am statement, discovering truths about the character and mission of Jesus. We will feast on the power of the message of the gospel as taught by Christ and drink freely of the water of life that He has made available to us, so that we may enjoy the richness of life with the Father through the Son.
Ask – Why would Jesus use God’s name “I am” in each of the 7 “I am” statements?
Seek – How does knowing that God is with us, not distant and aloof but present and wishing to be known help you in your journey of faith?
Knock – Play and Reflect on these lines from the song by Fred Hammond & Radical For Christ – You are the Living Word.
Bread of Heaven sent down from glory,
Many things you were on earth,
A Holy King, a carpenter.
You are the Living Word.
Awesome ruler, gentle Redeemer,
God with us the Living Truth,
And what a friend we have in you.
You are the Living Word.
Jesus, Jesus! That's what we call you,
Manger born but on a tree
You died to save humanity.
You are the Living Word.
(Upper Photo by jose aljovin on Unsplash)
(Inner Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash)
