The Great I AM
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John 8:56–59
“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going[a] through the midst of them, and so passed by.
Meeting the I AM
Moses was just going about his day, tending sheep in the desert, when he noticed something strange—a bush that was on fire but wasn’t burning up. Curious, he moved closer, and that’s when it happened: God called out to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses!” (Exodus 3:4).
When Moses answered, God told him to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. Then God introduced Himself: “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:6).
God was inviting Moses into something incredible: to lead His people out of slavery in Egypt. But Moses had doubts. “What if they ask me who sent me?” Moses asked. God’s response? “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14).
What Does "I AM" Mean?
When God said His name was “I AM,” He was revealing that He is eternal and unchanging. He’s not just a part of life—He is life. He’s everything we could ever need. Whether we’re scared, tired, or unsure of what to do, God’s name reminds us that He’s got us covered.
Moses was just going about his day, tending sheep in the desert, when he noticed something strange—a bush that was on fire but wasn’t burning up. Curious, he moved closer, and that’s when it happened: God called out to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses!” (Exodus 3:4).
When Moses answered, God told him to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. Then God introduced Himself: “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:6).
God was inviting Moses into something incredible: to lead His people out of slavery in Egypt. But Moses had doubts. “What if they ask me who sent me?” Moses asked. God’s response? “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14).
What Does "I AM" Mean?
When God said His name was “I AM,” He was revealing that He is eternal and unchanging. He’s not just a part of life—He is life. He’s everything we could ever need. Whether we’re scared, tired, or unsure of what to do, God’s name reminds us that He’s got us covered.
The I AM in Action
Even though Moses felt unqualified, God showed him that the I AM is all-powerful and all-knowing. As Moses followed God’s instructions, he witnessed miracle after miracle:
God provided everything His people needed on their journey. He protected them, guided them, and even gave them food and water in the desert. Moses learned that the I AM truly is all in all.
Worshiping the I AM
After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, they broke into song, celebrating what God had done:
“The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him” (Exodus 15:2).
Worship is our way of responding to the greatness of God. Just like Moses, we can praise God for who He is and what He’s done in our lives.
Action Step: Take time this week to thank God for something specific He has done for you.
Even though Moses felt unqualified, God showed him that the I AM is all-powerful and all-knowing. As Moses followed God’s instructions, he witnessed miracle after miracle:
- The burning bush that didn’t burn up
- Ten plagues that showed God’s power over Egypt
- The parting of the Red Sea so the Israelites could walk through on dry ground
God provided everything His people needed on their journey. He protected them, guided them, and even gave them food and water in the desert. Moses learned that the I AM truly is all in all.
Worshiping the I AM
After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, they broke into song, celebrating what God had done:
“The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him” (Exodus 15:2).
Worship is our way of responding to the greatness of God. Just like Moses, we can praise God for who He is and what He’s done in our lives.
Action Step: Take time this week to thank God for something specific He has done for you.
The I AM Revealed in Jesus
Fast forward to the New Testament. The religious leaders were constantly challenging Jesus, but He didn’t back down. In John 8, He made one of the boldest statements in Scripture: “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58).
By saying this, Jesus was claiming to be the same I AM who spoke to Moses. He wasn’t just a good teacher or a prophet. He was—and is—God in the flesh.
The religious leaders were furious. They accused Jesus of blasphemy because they didn’t believe He could be God. In their minds, Jesus was just a man. But Jesus’ miracles and teachings proved otherwise. He healed the sick, forgave sins, and even raised the dead—all things only God could do.
When Jesus claimed to be the I AM, He was saying that He is everything we need:
Our Savior: Jesus forgave sins and made a way for us to be close to God.
Our Provider: Just like God provided for the Israelites, Jesus takes care of us.
Our Strength: When we feel weak or unsure, Jesus gives us courage.
Responding to the I AM
When we understand that Jesus is the I AM, our worship takes on a whole new meaning. We’re not just singing songs; we’re praising the God who created the universe and cares deeply about us.
Jesus, the I AM, humbled Himself to serve others. He washed His disciples’ feet, spent time with the outcasts, and sacrificed His life for us. When we follow His example, we show others what God’s love looks like.
Action Step: Find one way to serve someone this week, whether it’s helping a friend, encouraging a sibling, or volunteering at church.
Just like Moses shared God’s name with the Israelites, we can share the truth about Jesus with others. When we talk about what He’s done in our lives, we’re pointing people to the Great I AM.
Action Step: Share a story with a friend about how God has been there for you.
Fast forward to the New Testament. The religious leaders were constantly challenging Jesus, but He didn’t back down. In John 8, He made one of the boldest statements in Scripture: “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58).
By saying this, Jesus was claiming to be the same I AM who spoke to Moses. He wasn’t just a good teacher or a prophet. He was—and is—God in the flesh.
The religious leaders were furious. They accused Jesus of blasphemy because they didn’t believe He could be God. In their minds, Jesus was just a man. But Jesus’ miracles and teachings proved otherwise. He healed the sick, forgave sins, and even raised the dead—all things only God could do.
When Jesus claimed to be the I AM, He was saying that He is everything we need:
Our Savior: Jesus forgave sins and made a way for us to be close to God.
Our Provider: Just like God provided for the Israelites, Jesus takes care of us.
Our Strength: When we feel weak or unsure, Jesus gives us courage.
Responding to the I AM
When we understand that Jesus is the I AM, our worship takes on a whole new meaning. We’re not just singing songs; we’re praising the God who created the universe and cares deeply about us.
Jesus, the I AM, humbled Himself to serve others. He washed His disciples’ feet, spent time with the outcasts, and sacrificed His life for us. When we follow His example, we show others what God’s love looks like.
Action Step: Find one way to serve someone this week, whether it’s helping a friend, encouraging a sibling, or volunteering at church.
Just like Moses shared God’s name with the Israelites, we can share the truth about Jesus with others. When we talk about what He’s done in our lives, we’re pointing people to the Great I AM.
Action Step: Share a story with a friend about how God has been there for you.
Final Thoughts: Jesus Is Everything
One of the most powerful examples of Jesus as the I AM is the story of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25–34). After 12 years of suffering and spending everything she had on doctors, she was desperate for a miracle.
When she heard Jesus was coming, she pushed through the crowd, thinking, “If I can just touch His robe, I’ll be healed.” And she was.
When Jesus turned and asked who had touched Him, the woman fell at His feet, trembling. Instead of scolding her, Jesus said, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
Jesus met her greatest need in a way no one else could. He is the I AM—everything she needed and more.
One of the most powerful examples of Jesus as the I AM is the story of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25–34). After 12 years of suffering and spending everything she had on doctors, she was desperate for a miracle.
When she heard Jesus was coming, she pushed through the crowd, thinking, “If I can just touch His robe, I’ll be healed.” And she was.
When Jesus turned and asked who had touched Him, the woman fell at His feet, trembling. Instead of scolding her, Jesus said, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
Jesus met her greatest need in a way no one else could. He is the I AM—everything she needed and more.
Posted in Adult devotionals