John 18:4 “Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to Him, went out and asked them, ‘Who is it you want?’ ‘Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘I am He,’ Jesus said.”

Many years had passed since the apostle John lived out his passion for Kingdom work with Jesus and the other eleven. Now this lone survivor found himself banned to the island of Patmos. John could have easily daydreamed away his island-prison days staring at the ocean waves, yet his adoration for the Christ he knew so well beckoned him to share.

Guided by the Holy Spirit, John recorded the following seven “I am” statements of Jesus, giving us insights into our Savior’s heart. As our Bread of Life, Jesus would fill us spiritually for the battles ahead. His Light of Our World would penetrate the darkness of sin, enabling us to see Doors He opens for us and Doors He closes, keeping us on His Way. As a branch on His Vine, we live a fruitful life in Him. And, just as a Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep, Jesus too would spill His precious blood for us, becoming our Resurrection and Life eternally.

These statements reveal the essence of a loving Savior proclaiming, “I Am” able to carry you when you cannot bear your load. “I Am” your guide when you cannot envision your next step. “I Am” your strength till you reach your heavenly home.

Consider for a moment one additional “I Am” left off this list. A pivotal and eighth “I Am” of Jesus recorded by John comes prior to His arrest. Just perhaps, it is His greatest “I Am” of them all. The curse of being omniscient meant our Savior was aware of “ALL that was going to happen to Him.” (shame, torture, and crucifixion) Yet without flinching, Jesus acknowledged His identity with three words leading Him straight to the cross:

“I Am He.”

Have you ever considered Christ could have rightly denied being “Jesus of Nazareth?” His true identity never lay in a human name nor an earthly city. These were temporary. Our Savior would shortly return to his rightful, heavenly status as Son of God, Creator of the Universe, and Prince of Peace. But Christ’s unstoppable love for us prevented Him from backing down, even as He visualized the suffering ahead.

Because He loves us, our precious Savior and Redeemer boldly accepted His fate with those powerful words. Sisters, may we live our lives reflecting His glorious proclamation, “I Am He.”

Father God, mold our hearts to more fully appreciate the love found in three tiny words, “I Am He.”

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane