Did Jesus Claim to Be God? The Meaning of “I AM”

What did Jesus mean when He said, “I AM”? In John's Gospel, Jesus makes several remarkable “I AM” statements. He calls Himself the bread of life, the light of the world, the good shepherd, and the true vine. But one statement stands out: “Before Abraham was, I am.” Why would Jesus speak this way? And why did His opponents react so strongly? In this episode of Relish, Alex and Don examine Jesus' “I AM” statements and their connection to God's revelation of Himself in the Old Testament. The discussion then moves from theology to application. Knowing God's name is one thing. Knowing God personally is another. The hosts explore what reconciliation through Christ means, how the Holy Spirit gives believers a new identity, and what it means to live as a child and heir of God. The conversation also addresses shame, addiction, testimony, prayer, Christian community, baptism, communion, self-examination, and the struggle to allow God to lead rather than simply giving Him a place in our religious life. At the center of it all is one question: When Jesus said “I AM,” was He claiming to be God?   00:00:57 — “I AM” and Identity 00:03:09 — Did Jesus Claim to Be God? 00:07:37 — Knowing God vs. Knowing About God 00:11:50 — New Life Through the Spirit 00:15:55 — Are Your Names Written in the Book of Life? 00:19:53 — Is Jesus Really Lord of Your Life? 00:22:33 — What Does a New Identity Look Like? 00:25:45 — Why You Should Examine Yourself First 00:27:18 — “It Is No Secret What God Can Do”