5:00pm Sunday Worship Service

Sun, Aug 16, ‘26 - PM Services

'"I Am" Sayings in John' - Dr. Bobby Kelly

Summer Bible Study 2026: Session Five

Southern Hills Baptist Church

There are two series of seven "I am" sayings in John's Gospel. First, the absolute "1 am" sayings where Jesus adds no image. Jesus simply says, "i am." These provide Jesus' direct assertion of his divine identity, who he is in himself. But there's also seven "I am" sayings with an image that declare who Jesus is (identity), but they also indicate who Jesus is for us (mission).

Seven Absolute "I Am" Sayings

"I Am" Messiah, Sent by the Father & One with the Father (John 4:26)

"I Am" the One with Authority over the Waters; Do Not Be Afraid (John 6:20)

"I Am" the One from Above: Do Not Die in Your Sin (8:24)

"I Am" the One Lifted Up: Do Not Fail to Recognize Him (8:28)

Before Abraham Was, I Am: Do Not Dismiss the Divine Identity of Jesus (8:58)

When Judas Betrays Me, You Will Know "I Am" (John 13:19)

The Great "I Am" Revealed through Self-Sacrifice (John 18:5-6)

Seven "I Am Sayings with an Image

I am the Bread of Life: Jesus Alone Nourishes Starving Souls (John 6:35)

Iam the Light of the World: Jesus Heals Our Spiritual Blindness (John 8:12-20)

3.1 am the Gate for the Sheep: Jesus Protects and Leads to Abundant Life (John 10:7)

I am the Good Shepherd: Jesus Leads, Feeds, and Bleeds for Sheep (n 10:11)

I am the Resurrection and the Life: Jesus Renders Death Powerless

Over Those Who Trust in Him John 11:25)

The raising of Lazarus in John 11 marks the 7th sign and the pivotal and climactic scene in the first half of John's Gospel. In this context, Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection and the life." All of the "I Am" sayings speak to Jesus' mission, and all have obvious relevance. But this one perhaps more than any other, because the stench of death was so present in their world, and ours. Jesus follows the "I am" saying with two promises in 11:25b-26. First, The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live" (v. 25), and second, "everyone who lives and believes in me will never ever die" (v. 26)." Believers may die physically, like Lazarus, but death's dominion is only temporary, for Jesus himself, who is "the Resurrection and the Life," will "raise them at the last day."

6. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: Jesus Is the Only Way to the Father (John 14:1-7)

John 12 introduces the second part of the narrative, the "Book of Glory," for it is in passion week that Jesus' true glory is revealed, made known through suffering, death, and resurrection. Following his triumphal entry, he gathered with his disciples in am tor ali room. As part of his instruction, he taught them that he would only be with them for litte longer and he was going, they could not come. Nevertheless, they should not be troubled.

7. 1 am the True Vine: Jesus Is the Only Source of Life and Nourishment for the Branches (John 15:1-8)

--