One of the distinctive elements of the teaching of Jesus is the way he expresses important truths in terms of his own personal character and mission. Unique to the Gospel of John are seven statements Jesus begins by saying, “I am.” The phrase “I am” reflects Exodus 3:14, where God introduces himself to Moses with the expression “I am who I am.” This statement became a way to connect with God personally and was used throughout Israel’s history to convey that God always was, always is and always will be. In using this expression, Jesus is explicitly identifying himself as God and bearing God’s presence on Earth.
