Matthew 16:13-20 captures and narrates a very crucial interaction between Christ and His followers. It is one that unfolds lots of truth and presents invaluable wisdom for spiritual education and transformation.
Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do Men say the Son of Man is?” (P.S. Son of Man was a title Jesus gave himself and would often refer to himself using it.) This question, for one, reveals that Jesus cared about what people thought of him regarding his spiritual identity and divine purpose. It must have been important to him to have raised a question about it.
After getting some responses and thoughts, he then asked his disciples a second question;
“But what about you, Who do you say I am?”
He could have left it at the first question but He went on to probe further, only this time more intently directed at his disciples. This means Jesus places greater importance on what those closest to him understand about his person (divine identity included).
And from his response to Peter’s spirit-inspired reply, you can tell that he cares even more about the accuracy and truth of those perceptions.
Continue reading to discover answers to your question and 7 “I AM” statements from Jesus himself. This is one of those articles you want to pay attention cause things jump at you from in-between lines.
Knowing Jesus: Who we see and How we see Him.
When it comes to the accuracy or truth of our perceptions, there are basically two levers we can modulate;
- How we are ‘perceiving’
- Our paradigms: Our default, already-existing explanations or models through which we are judging. Our perspective (in this case Who we are seeing Jesus as).
How we see
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.
Matthew 16:16
From this verse, Jesus mentions two ways in which Humans perceive (see, understand, and interpret matters). Using
- Mental faculties; are fed by signals from the physical senses. Possessing a mind with an ability for creativity and logical reasoning.
- Spiritual faculties; are developed by two coexisting agencies; the Word of God and the Spirit.
Both faculties have their use cases, functions, and importance. They are both God’s gifts to mankind which he uses to relate with us. That is to say, there is a time to use one over the other and what makes great steward leaders are those who know when to use each. The greatest ones commit to growing and developing their ability to use them at peak levels.
For spiritual matters such as faith, the Promise, and Provision of salvation, you want to lead with your spiritual senses seeing things from the lens of Scripture and the Holy Spirit. So When Jesus, shortly after his resurrection, sees his disciples who were unable to recognize him, he painstakingly goes through the scriptures explaining all the prophecy about him(Luke 24:25-27), rather than just showing them his pierced hands as the easy route.
Why We must see Jesus as He truly is: Benefits for Believers.
One might think Jesus wants us to see him accurately for selfish reasons. What if I told you that is far from the truth and as a matter of fact it behooves you the most if you know him as he is?
Let’s look at Matthew 16:17 again
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.
Wait what? Jesus calls Simon Peter ‘blessed’ because he correctly identified Jesus — by the Spirit. In case you didn’t know blessed is from a Greek work in the Bible that means Fortunate, well off, to be envied.
So what are some benefits or implications of seeing Jesus clearly?
- Spiritual maturity: it means that your spiritual organs and faculties are maturing
- We have the Holy Spirit: One of the signs that the holy spirit is with us is spiritual enlightenment.
- Solid Faith: Faith and understanding coexist in the heart. There is something to see when it comes to faith. How clear and accurate you see, determines how solid your faith is which would come in handy in trying times
- Good heart/Spirit condition: The heart is the locus point through which God communicates with Man. Clear and Accurate communication signifies open, free, and good heart conditions.
- Self-discovery: When you know more of Jesus, you discover more of yourself. The Glory of the Lord reveals who you are. Notice how Peter’s glory increased? See Matthew 16:19. See also: 2 Corinthians 3:18
- Eternal life: When we see and accept Him as Saviour, we receive eternal life free from the penance and power of sin.
- We have an Inheritance: when we see him as the First of the Brethren (Big Brother), we realize that we are Joint Heirs with Christ.
- Superior Leadership: When we see Jesus Christ as Lord, we see an Example to follow. We have Godly values and character traits to emulate. Also, as we obey his teachings and take action, we become better people.
- Authority: When we see him as the Risen King, we can step into power and authority over principalities and unclean spirits because we are seated with him (Ephesians 2:6).
- Christ-likeness: When we see Jesus as the Son of God, we see God’s call and desire for us to be like him as fellow children of God.
Because our lives are hidden in Christ, we see our identity and purpose only as clear as we see Christ.
Amadi Achinike
So why must we see him accurately?
Because of who he is and what it means for us believers who are baptized into Him. It is For our good that we see and know him accurately. Know the provisions in Christ and desire them
The 7 “I AM” Statement from Jesus: Unveiling Jesus’ Divine Nature
John is the non-synoptic book of the Gospels with a strong doctrinal emphasis on the divinity of Christ. It is also home to the 7 I AM statement from Jesus. Of course, these sayings are not all-encompassing of the identity of Christ as we have seen in the previous section of this article.
Plus, when you look at these I AM sayings of Jesus, we see a striking resemblance with how God introduced himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14. I AM provides a foundation for every other expression of his being to take place. So one conclusion to draw is, there are more than 7 “I AM” statements even in the book of John.
However, here are the 7 crucial I AM statements from Jesus in the book of John [and what it means for believers];
“I AM the Bread of Life” (John 6:35)
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty
JOHN 6:35
Context reading: Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. – JOHN 6:47-49
In this declaration, Jesus presents Himself as the source of spiritual nourishment and satisfaction. He invites us to find sustenance and fulfillment in Him, just as bread sustains physical life. Jesus offers Himself as the bread of life, providing eternal nourishment to those who believe. He satisfies our deepest hunger for meaning and quenches our thirst for purpose. This statement highlights His desire to be our spiritual sustainer and provider, ensuring that we never hunger or thirst again.
Implication: Just as bread sustains physical life, Jesus provides spiritual nourishment and fulfillment. Believers are encouraged to rely on Him for sustenance and strength in their daily walk.
“I AM the Light of the World” (John 8:12)
“I am the light of the world.”
JOHN 8:12
“While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
JOHN 9:5
Contextual Reading: Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” No one, sir,” she said. Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin. When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Here, Jesus proclaims Himself as the light that shines brightly in the darkness, dispelling the shadows and bringing hope. In a world filled with uncertainty, sin, and moral darkness, Jesus is the light that guides us toward truth and salvation. Like a beacon, He illuminates our path, showing us the way to righteousness and eternal life. This declaration emphasizes His role as the light of life, overcoming the darkness and leading us on a journey of transformation.
Implication: Jesus illuminates the path of truth and righteousness. Embracing His light helps believers find guidance and clarity, even in life’s darkest moments.
“I AM the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11)
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
JOHN 10:11
Contextual Reading: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.
In this tender portrayal, Jesus depicts Himself as the Good Shepherd, a caring and protective guide. He knows each of His sheep by name and lovingly tends to their needs. This declaration highlights His intimate relationship with His followers and His willingness to sacrifice for their protection and well-being. As the Good Shepherd, He leads us to green pastures, restores our souls, and guides us along the right paths (Psalm 23).
Implication: Jesus embodies the qualities of a compassionate and protective shepherd. He cares for and guides His followers, even to the point of self-sacrifice.
“I AM the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25)
JOHN 11:25
Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,’
Contextual Reading: Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Jesus’ words in this declaration offer hope and comfort to all who grieve and face the reality of death. Here, He asserts His power over death and the promise of eternal life. Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered the grave and became the source of life for all who believe in Him. This statement reminds us that, through our faith in Him, we can overcome the power of sin and death, finding hope and resurrection life.
Implication: In Jesus, believers have the assurance of eternal life. His power over death offers hope and redemption beyond the grave.
“I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6)
JOHN 14:6
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”.”
Contextual Reading: Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way? Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.
In this profound statement, Jesus presents Himself as the exclusive path to God and the source of all truth and life. He is the way that leads us to the Father, the truth that sets us free from the bondage of sin and doubt, and the source of abundant and everlasting life. There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus is the way, and through Him, we find purpose, direction, and a relationship with the Father.
Implication: Jesus is the exclusive path to the Father. He embodies the truth and the essence of life, emphasizing the necessity of following Him.
“I AM the True Vine” (John 15:1)
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.”
JOHN 15:1
Contextual Reading: but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
Here, Jesus describes Himself as the True Vine, and He invites us to abide in Him as branches. This imagery conveys our dependence on Him for spiritual nourishment and growth. As believers, we are connected to Him, drawing our very life and strength from Him. As we abide in Him and His love, we bear good fruit, reflecting His glory and becoming more like Him.
Implication: Jesus is the source of spiritual vitality and growth. By remaining connected to Him, believers can bear fruit and flourish.
I AM the gate for the Sheep (John 10:9)
“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.”
The contextual reading: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:9-10)
Here, Jesus presents Himself as the gate or entrance to salvation. He is the way, the truth, and the life – the only means by which we can be saved and find true, abundant life. Just as a shepherd’s sheep pass through the gate to enter the safety of the fold, we too must come through Jesus to be saved and find the spiritual nourishment and rest we need.
The implication is clear. Jesus is the sole source of salvation and eternal life. By trusting in Him and entering through Him, we are granted access to God’s provision and protection.
So, in the same way the previous passage portrays Jesus as the True Vine, this one depicts Him as the Gate – the exclusive means by which we can be saved and experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. It’s a powerful metaphor that reinforces Jesus’ central role in our spiritual journey.
Other Jesus’ I AM sayings.
Jesus made several other “I AM” statements, each revealing a different aspect of His identity and mission. For example, He declared, “I AM the Alpha and Omega” Revelation 1:8), emphasizing that He is the First to the Last, Beginning to the End. He also said, “I AM that I AM” (John 8:28), conveying his truth claim that the prophesied Christ was He. Each statement unveils another layer of His divine nature and purpose
What other “I AM” statements did Jesus make, and what do they mean?
“I AM the Alpha and the Omega” (Revelation 1:8)
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
REVELATION 1:8
Contextual Reading: “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
“I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
REVELATION 22:13
In this powerful statement, found in the book of Revelation, Jesus declares Himself to be the beginning and the end, the first and the last. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8). This declaration emphasizes His eternality, sovereignty, and constant presence. He is the eternal God, who was, who is, and who always will be.
I AM The Promised Messiah
Bible verses support Jesus’s truth claim as the Messiah.
- Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
- “So he said to them, ‘When you lift up the Son of Man, you will know that ‘I Am Who I Am’; then you will know that I do”
JOHN 8:28 - “I tell you this now before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe that ‘I Am Who I Am.’
JOHN 13:19 - “I am the living one! I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I have authority over death and the world of”
REVELATION 1:18 - “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. “I am he,” he said. Judas, the traitor, was standing there with them.
God.
“‘I am telling you the truth,’ Jesus replied. ‘Before Abraham was born, ‘I Am””
JOHN 8:58.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6
“I and the Father are one.”- John 10:30
Son of God.
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus, the Son of God: 21 faith-defining things to know about His Deity and Personage.
FAQs relating to the I AM Statements of Jesus.
Why did Jesus use “I AM” statements?
Jesus’ use of “I AM” statements was significant because it echoed the name God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, “I AM WHO I AM.” By using this phrase, Jesus was claiming divinity and equality with God.
What is the impact of the “I AM” statements on our faith today?
The “I AM” statements have a profound impact on our faith. They reveal Jesus’ nature, His relationship with the Father, and His role in our salvation. They provide a solid foundation for our beliefs and remind us of His presence, power, and love.
How can I apply the “I AM” statements to my life?
You can apply these truths by meditating on each declaration and reflecting on what it means for your life. For example, knowing that Jesus is the bread of life, you can trust Him to satisfy your spiritual hunger and guide you toward eternal life. Understanding that He is the light of the world can give you hope and direction in times of darkness and uncertainty.
How are the “I AM” statements connected to Jesus’ ministry and mission?
The “I AM” statements are intimately connected to Jesus’ ministry and mission. They reveal the very purpose for which He came into the world. Through these declarations, He presented Himself as the long-awaited Messiah, the Savior, and the Son of God.
Did Jesus Ever Say “I AM that I AM”?
Yes, it is a reflection of God’s eternal identity.
In Exodus 3:14, God reveals Himself as “I AM,” a statement of timeless existence and self-sufficiency. When Jesus uses “I AM,” He aligns Himself with this divine character, signifying unity with God and His eternal presence.
What Does Jesus Mean When He Said “I AM the Truth”?
Jesus embodies the ultimate truth.
In a world of relative truths, Jesus stands firm as the absolute truth. His life, teachings, and redemptive work reflect the ultimate reality—that truth is a person, not a concept, and knowing Him is knowing the truth.
Why Did Jesus Ask His Disciples “Whom Do Men Say That I Am?”
To prompt self-awareness and recognition of His divine nature.
In Matthew 16:13-16, Jesus questions His disciples to sharpen their perception of His identity. It challenges believers to consider personal interpretations and align their understanding with the truth of His divine sonship.
Conclusion
We look intently at more than seven powerful and profound “I AM” declarations made by Jesus himself, found in the Gospel of John and beyond. These statements reveal the very heart of His identity and mission.
As we explored each assertion, I believe you gained a deeper and more accurate understanding of who Jesus claims to be and why it matters for your faith today.
So over to you now. I ask you the same question in Matthew 16:15
“‘What about you?’ ‘Who do you say Jesus is?'”
