How does Exodus 3:14 connect to Jesus' "I AM" statements in the Gospels? Exodus 3:14 — The Divine Name Unveiled Exodus 3:14: “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, ‘You are to say to the Israelites, “I AM” has sent me to you.’ ” • Self-existent, eternal, unchanging • Covenant God who personally redeems His people (v. 15) Jesus Takes the Same Name John 8:58: “Jesus declared, ‘Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!’ ” • Listeners tried to stone Him (v. 59) for claiming equality with God (cf. Leviticus 24:16). Seven Predicate “I AM” Sayings in John 1. John 6:35 — I am the bread of life 2. John 8:12 — I am the light of the world 3. John 10:7, 9 — I am the gate for the sheep 4. John 10:11, 14 — I am the good shepherd 5. John 11:25 — I am the resurrection and the life 6. John 14:6 — I am the way and the truth and the life 7. John 15:1, 5 — I am the true vine Each unfolds what Yahweh’s presence means in Christ. Absolute “I AM” Declarations • John 8:24 — “Unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins.” • John 8:28 — “Then you will know that I am.” • John 8:58 — “Before Abraham was born, I am.” • John 18:5-6 — “I am”; soldiers fall back. • Mark 6:50 — “Take courage! It is I (lit. I am).” Direct echoes of Exodus 3:14, asserting deity. Prophetic Back-Lighting • Isaiah 41:4; 43:10-13; 44:6; 48:12 — “I am He… the First and the Last.” • Deuteronomy 32:39 — “I, even I, am He, and there is no god besides Me.” • Revelation 1:17-18 — Jesus: “I am the First and the Last… the Living One.” Unmistakable Connection • Same wording (LXX ἐγώ εἰμι). • Same divine attributes displayed—eternity, sovereignty, self-sufficiency. • Same saving mission: deliverance from bondage (Exodus 3) fulfilled in the cross and resurrection (Luke 9:31 — “exodus”). Implications for Believers • Confidence: the risen Christ is the self-existent I AM (Hebrews 13:8). • Clarity: Jesus is Yahweh in flesh (Colossians 2:9). • Communion: abiding in Him is life in the Vine (John 15:4-7). • Commission: as “I AM” sent Moses, Jesus sends us with His abiding presence (Matthew 28:18-20). |
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