Explain Briefly The Seven I Am Sayings In John's Gospel

Explain Briefly The Seven I Am Sayings In Johns Gospel How Does Th

Explain briefly the seven “I am” sayings in John’s gospel. How does the form of the saying demonstrate Christ’s deity? (see John 8:58; Exodus 3:14) A position paper is a typed two-page paper that succinctly describes the issue at hand, explains the possible solutions to the issue with appropriate evidence given and evaluated, and gives the author's own preference on the issue (again, with evidence). A list of sources consulted must be submitted on a separate sheet (does not count within the two-page limit). At least three extra-biblical sources should be consulted. These should be non-internet sources, please.

Study Bibles and internet sources may be used, but they do not count as one of the three required sources. Four to six sources are preferred (some of these may be internet sources and/or study Bibles). The paper may not be more than two pages (a sentence or two may carry over onto a third page, but no more). The text must be double-spaced, with font no smaller than 10 point. To achieve this length paper, make sure that you do not begin with a long introduction. It is best to get right to the heart of the matter.

Paper For Above instruction

The seven "I am" sayings in the Gospel of John are central declarations that reveal Jesus Christ's divine nature and identity. These sayings are unique to John's Gospel and serve to underscore Christ's deity by paralleling God's self-revelation to Moses in the Old Testament. They include statements such as "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35), "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12), "I am the door" (John 10:9), "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11), "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25), "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), and "I am the true vine" (John 15:1). These utterances are significant because they directly connect Jesus to the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, where God declares, "I am who I am."

The form of these sayings demonstrates Christ's deity through their use of the phrase "I am," which in the original Greek is "ego eimi." This phrase echoes the divine self-identification in the Septuagint translation of Exodus 3:14, where God identifies himself as "ego eimi ho on" ("I am the Being"). This parallel indicates that Jesus is claiming divine status, aligning himself with God's eternal and self-existent nature. For example, in John 8:58, Jesus states, "Before Abraham was born, I am," directly invoking the divine name and asserting his eternal existence. Such declarations provoke the Jewish leaders' understanding of his claim to divinity, which ultimately leads to accusations of blasphemy and their attempt to stone him.

The theological significance of these sayings lies in their affirmation of Jesus as divine. By using the "I am" formula, Jesus not only describes his role and mission but also consciously identifies himself with God. This self-identification is a core element of Christian Christology, affirming that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human. The consistent use of "ego eimi" in these sayings effectively demonstrates Christ's divine authority, majesty, and eternal nature, emphasizing that he is the incarnate God who reveals himself to salvation history.

In conclusion, the seven "I am" sayings in John serve as powerful declarations of Jesus’ divine identity, explicitly linking him to God's self-revelation in the Old Testament. The form, "I am," is a deliberate theological statement that demonstrates Christ's deity, affirming his eternal existence and divine authority. These sayings are essential for understanding the Christological emphasis of John's Gospel and the Christian doctrine of Jesus' divinity.

References

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9. Witherington, B. (1995). John's Wisdom: A Commentary on the Fourth Gospel. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press.
10. Wright, N. T. (2012). John for Everyone, Part 2: chapters 11-21. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press.