"I am" sayings of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John

Jesus Christ's seven unique "I am" metaphorical statements about himself in the Gospel of John have corresponding details in the circumstances of his birth, and corresponding "signs" (miracles).

There are eight such statements if "I am" with no metaphorical object is included.

Seven "I am" metaphorical statements of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John:

1. "I am the bread of life." _{John 6:35, 41, 48-51}
2. "I am the light of the world." _{John 8:12, 9:5}
3. "I am the door of the sheep." _{John 10:7, 9}
4. "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." _{John 10:11, 14}
5. "I am the resurrection, and the life." _{John 11:25}
6. "I am the way, the truth, and the life." _{John 14:6}
7. "I am the true vine." _{John 15:1, 5}

Eighth "I am" statement of Jesus if "I am" with no object is included:

It is I; be not afraid [In Greek, same as "I am; be not afraid"]. _{John 6:16-21}

Corresponding details in the circumstances of Jesus Christ's birth:

1. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which means "House of Bread." _{Luke 2:4-6}
2. He was born under the light of the Star of Bethlehem. _{Matthew 2:1-12}
3. He was unable to enter the inn, but able to enter a stable. _{Luke 2:7}
4. He was sought by shepherds who were looking for a baby wrapped in burial cloths and lying in a manger. _{Luke 2:8-20}
5. He survived King Herod's attempt to kill him. _{Matthew 2:13-16}
6. Wise men supernaturally found their way to him, supernaturally knew the truth about him, and supernaturally survived King Herod's evil plot even though they defied him. _{Matthew 2:1-12}
7. He was born in Bethlehem Ephrathah, which means "fruitful." _{Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:5, 6}

Eighth detail in the circumstances of Jesus' birth if "I am" with no object is included:

The angels announced "Fear not,...for unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord". _{Luke 2:10-11}

But the witness which I have is greater than that of John;  for the works which the Father hath given me to accomplish, the very works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. John 5:36

Corresponding "signs" in the works (miracles) which Jesus Christ did:

1. The multiplication of bread confirms that Jesus is the bread of life. _{John 6:1-13}
2. Enabling a blind man to see the light confirms that Jesus is the light of the world. _{John 9:1-11}
3. The healing of a paralyzed man by Jerusalem's Sheep Gate confirms that Jesus is the door of the sheepfold. _{John 5:2-9}
4. Entering a room when the doors are locked (switching roles with a thief), confirms that Jesus is the good shepherd who gave his life for the sheep. Compare with Judah offering to take Benjamin's place when Benjamin is accused of stealing the silver cup. _{Genesis 43-44, John 10:1-18, John 20:19-31}
5. The raising of Lazarus confirms that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. _{John 11:1-45}
6. The healing of the nobleman's son confirms that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
   While the nobleman was on his way, his servants confirmed the truth of Jesus words, "Your son will live." _{John 4:46-54}
7. The water turning to wine confirms that Jesus is the True Vine. _{John 2:1-11}

Eighth "sign" which Jesus did in the Gospel of John if "I am" with no object is included:

When Jesus said, "I am; be not afraid," he was walking on the water. _{Job 9:1-8, John 6:16-21}

And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks... Rev. 1:12

Menorah Structure:

To see how the 'I am' sayings of Jesus, the details of his birth, and the confirming 'signs' form a menorah structure, see the menorah page.

Music: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.

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Copyright 2007 Arlene Sheldon

Last Updated: August 6, 2008