Bibl 323 I Am Paper

Liberty University

BIBL 323

The Gospel of John

Bonnie Kuhns

December 7, 2013

The “I AM” Statements of Jesus

There are a total of seven “I AM” statements recorded throughout Gospel of John. Although it is relevant for the reader to know the number of times each of these statements are made it is equally important to understand how each of these statements play a role in the faithful life of us all. The ways these statements are written allow the reader to walk away with knowledge of the man Jesus but as well the methods at which his actions were to be accomplished. As one may well know it is with great fortitude that these feats of understanding may be accomplished for they serve not one but a series of applications in life.

The first “I AM” that comes to mind for me that seems both direct and ambiguous at first is that of John 15:1 that states “I AM the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser” (K.J.V.B.). At first I can see where there is a difficulty in understanding the connection between the vine, vinedresser and ourselves. Not being a person with a background in anything to do with plants I was taking what the Bible said about this at face value with no real thought being involved with this process. I did some reading and found that the answer was simple and aligned with the statements of the bible. The pruning process was used at the time to assist others in their understanding because everyone at the time had been involved with farming so this was a topic that all could relate to. This was a beautiful transition from the work they performed and knew so intimately to their own personal lives and helped redefine the understanding that they all had of their own character both internal and external.

This example of analogy was wonderfully used to an even greater effect because at the time Jesus had made this statement it was Passover and they were additionally taking of the vine through imbibing it as well. The statement of “I AM” allowed me...