3. I AM the Righteous God: Levi cus 18:5

Introduc on

Jesus, the I AM

We all describe ourselves using words that reveal a part of who we are. For example, if I wanted you to recognize me at the airport before we’ve ever met in person, I might use words like older, female, dark hair, and blue eyes. Or I might instead describe what I would wear, such as a bright red coat and green hat, so I would be easier to iden fy.

If I tried to describe my personality, the words would be di erent. I might say that I’m task oriented, fun loving, and driven. Or I might choose to describe my hobbies, or my interests, or my family. Or I might share with you the things on my to-do list to show you where I spend my me.

All of these are ways to describe myself, but none of them complete the picture. Each word helps to paint a picture of who I am, but not a fi nished portrait.

Jesus chose to reveal His rela onship to His Father, the Lord God Almighty. He used God’s own words to Moses to connect His iden ty to His Father’s. God iden fi ed Himself to Moses as “I I ” (Exodus 3:14). Jesus made seven statements that iden fy Him with the Father. Each begins with the acknowledgement––I AM. Jesus said:

• I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:35). • I AM the Light of the World (John 8:12). • I AM the Door (John 10:7). • I AM the Good Shepherd (John 10:14). • I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). • I AM the True Vine (John 15:1). • I AM the Resurrec on and the Life (John 11:25).

During this season of Lent, through this study, delve into the iden ty of Jesus, the only Son of God who inten onally came to be with us, to love us, and to die for us, so that we could be restored in rela onship with God. We pray this opportunity will guide you into a newer and deeper understanding of the divine iden ty of Jesus––the I AM.

Margie Williamson