Youth: 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 living a pretty quiet life as a shepherd when he noticed something strange—a bush on fire, but it wasn’t burning up. Curious, he moved closer. That’s when God called his name: “Moses, Moses!”
Moses responded, “Here I am.” But this wasn’t just some random voice. God told Moses to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. Then God said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:6).
God wasn’t just saying hi. He had a mission for Moses: to rescue the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Understandably, Moses was overwhelmed. “What if the people ask who sent me?” Moses asked. God replied with the name that still speaks to us today: “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14).
What Does "I AM" Mean?
When God said His name was “I AM,” He was telling Moses (and us) that He’s unchanging, eternal, and completely in control. It means He’s everything we’ll ever need. Whether we’re scared, confused, or feeling alone, God promises that He is always with us, ready to help.
Moses was living a pretty quiet life as a shepherd when he noticed something strange—a bush on fire, but it wasn’t burning up. Curious, he moved closer. That’s when God called his name: “Moses, Moses!”
Moses responded, “Here I am.” But this wasn’t just some random voice. God told Moses to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. Then God said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:6).
God wasn’t just saying hi. He had a mission for Moses: to rescue the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Understandably, Moses was overwhelmed. “What if the people ask who sent me?” Moses asked. God replied with the name that still speaks to us today: “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14).
What Does "I AM" Mean?
When God said His name was “I AM,” He was telling Moses (and us) that He’s unchanging, eternal, and completely in control. It means He’s everything we’ll ever need. Whether we’re scared, confused, or feeling alone, God promises that He is always with us, ready to help.
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:
Every step of the way, God showed that He is everything His people needed. He was their provider, protector, and guide.
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: Write down one way God has taken care of you and thank Him for it in prayer.
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 Plagues: God showed Pharaoh who’s boss with ten plagues that proved His power.
- The Red Sea: When the Israelites were trapped, God split the sea, creating a path of dry land for them to walk through.
- The Desert: When the Israelites were hungry and thirsty, God provided manna (bread from heaven) and water from a rock.
Every step of the way, God showed that He is everything His people needed. He was their provider, protector, and guide.
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: Write down one way God has taken care of you and thank Him for it in prayer.
The I AM Revealed in Jesus
In John 8, Jesus made a bold claim: “Before Abraham was, I am.” The religious leaders were shocked. How could a man standing in front of them claim to be the eternal God?
But that’s exactly what Jesus was saying. He wasn’t just a good teacher or prophet—He was the God who spoke to Moses from the burning bush.
When Jesus said He was the I AM, He was saying He’s everything we need:
What Does This Mean for Us?
Worship with Confidence: When we understand that Jesus is the I AM, worship becomes more than just singing songs. It’s about celebrating who He is and what He’s done for us.
Serve with Love: Jesus, the I AM, humbled Himself to serve others. He washed His disciples’ feet, healed the sick, and sacrificed Himself for us. When we serve others, we’re following His example.
Action Step: Find one way to serve someone this week, like helping a friend with homework or encouraging someone who’s feeling down.
Share the Truth: Just like Moses told the Israelites about the I AM, we can tell others about Jesus. When we share how He’s worked in our lives, we’re pointing people to the God who can meet all their needs.
Action Step: Think about someone who needs to hear about Jesus. Pray for them and look for a chance to share your story.
In John 8, Jesus made a bold claim: “Before Abraham was, I am.” The religious leaders were shocked. How could a man standing in front of them claim to be the eternal God?
But that’s exactly what Jesus was saying. He wasn’t just a good teacher or prophet—He was the God who spoke to Moses from the burning bush.
When Jesus said He was the I AM, He was saying He’s 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.
What Does This Mean for Us?
Worship with Confidence: When we understand that Jesus is the I AM, worship becomes more than just singing songs. It’s about celebrating who He is and what He’s done for us.
Serve with Love: Jesus, the I AM, humbled Himself to serve others. He washed His disciples’ feet, healed the sick, and sacrificed Himself for us. When we serve others, we’re following His example.
Action Step: Find one way to serve someone this week, like helping a friend with homework or encouraging someone who’s feeling down.
Share the Truth: Just like Moses told the Israelites about the I AM, we can tell others about Jesus. When we share how He’s worked in our lives, we’re pointing people to the God who can meet all their needs.
Action Step: Think about someone who needs to hear about Jesus. Pray for them and look for a chance to share your story.
Final Thoughts: Jesus Is Everything
One of the best stories about Jesus as the I AM is the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25–34). She had been sick for 12 years and spent everything she had on doctors, but no one could help her.
When she heard Jesus was coming, she thought, “If I can just touch His robe, I’ll be healed.” Pushing through the crowd, she reached out and touched His garment. Instantly, she was healed.
Jesus turned and asked, “Who touched Me?” Trembling, the woman came forward and explained what had happened. Jesus looked at her with kindness and said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
That woman discovered what we all need to know: Jesus is everything. He’s our healer, our Savior, and the God who meets every need.
One of the best stories about Jesus as the I AM is the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25–34). She had been sick for 12 years and spent everything she had on doctors, but no one could help her.
When she heard Jesus was coming, she thought, “If I can just touch His robe, I’ll be healed.” Pushing through the crowd, she reached out and touched His garment. Instantly, she was healed.
Jesus turned and asked, “Who touched Me?” Trembling, the woman came forward and explained what had happened. Jesus looked at her with kindness and said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
That woman discovered what we all need to know: Jesus is everything. He’s our healer, our Savior, and the God who meets every need.
Posted in Youth devotionals