Bow Before The Great I Am

The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.” — John 4:25-26

There are eight times in the Gospel of John where Jesus uses the phrase "I am" ("ego eimi" in the Greek language) to describe himself. And this is important because, in the Old Testament, the declaration "I AM" ("YHWH" in the Hebrew language) is the formal name for God. So Jesus is making a connection and a declaration to this woman that he is the Messiah.

Usually, this expression, "I am," is followed by a noun that gives it more description. This is called a predicate nominative. For example, seven other times in the Gospel of John, Jesus says these things:

• I am the bread of life. (John 6:35)
• I am the light of the world. (John 8:12)
• I am the gate. (John 10:7)
• I am the Good Shepherd. (John 10:11)
• I am the resurrection and life. (John 11:25)
• I am the way, truth, and life. (John 14:6)
• I am the vine. (John 15:1)

But here and in another instance in John, the "I am" stands alone. And this is significant. Because without a predicate nominative, the verb becomes a title. It becomes one with the title God gave Moses on the mountain from the burning bush before delivering the people from Egypt. Exodus 3:13-14 reads

Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” — Exodus 3:13-14

In other words, "I am the self-existing one."

What makes this moment interesting is that there are only two times in the Gospel of John that Jesus uses the title "I am" without the predicate nominative. With this woman, and then at the end of Jesus's life in John 18:4-6. But this time, when he uses this title, listen and watch their physical reaction.

Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” [Judas and the soldiers] answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. — John 18:4-6

Fellas, Jesus exists. He has made himself known. And you can bow before him receiving his resources, direction, understanding, protection, life, truth, and sustenance. Or you can come against him in disbelief and receive nothing. But one day, he will speak his title again, and all will bow, and then one will spend eternity in heaven and the other in eternal hell.

ASK THIS: Do you bow before the great "I AM"?

DO THIS: Get down on your knees and pray before the great I AM.

PRAY THIS: God, I worship you.

PLAY THIS: The Great I Am.