Jesus: The 'I AM'

Exodus 3:13, 14

Moses asked God what he should say if the children of Israel were to ask him who had sent him to be their deliverer. God responded, “I AM THAT I AM”. “I AM” becomes a name for God in this passage that is translated in Hebrew as hayah, meaning “to be, exist”. God is saying that He just IS. There is no other explanation as to how He became or how He got “to be”; He just is what He is.

This revelation of the name of God was not given to Moses to tell Pharaoh. When Pharaoh asks a similar question to the one posed by Moses, Moses answers, “The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go” (Exodus 5:3). There is no need to prove God’s existence before Pharaoh, for he is not under the covenant of God. For Israel however, they know the stories of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, so they are looking for a revelation of who this God is.

The establishment of “I AM” doesn’t last long, as we don’t see God calling Himself this again, but instead He refers to Himself as “JEHOVAH” in Exodus 6:3. This is translated in Hebrews as Yehovah and it means “the existing one”. Elsewhere it is rendered by the English spelling of LORD, using all capital letters. Its reference is to the God of the covenant. Each time it is used it is hearkening back to the fact that God is not only powerful, but is faithful to honor covenant.

Following His encounter with the woman caught in adultery, Jesus gives a discourse on being the light of the world, telling the Pharisee’s that they are of their father the devil (John 8:44). He continues on by explaining that if a man keeps His sayings, “he shall never see death” (John 8:51). This infuriates the Jews because they know that Abraham and the prophets were great men, but they are dead, and they feel that Jesus is setting Himself up as greater than all that preceded Him.

“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad” (John 8:56), Jesus said. “Then said the Jews unto him, ‘Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?’” (John 8:57). By claiming that Abraham had seen Jesus’ day, He can only be insinuating one of two things. Either He is claiming to be hundreds of years old, having lived in the actual time of Abraham or He is claiming that He is God, having seen Abraham with His own eyes. Recall what Jesus has just said in verse 38, “I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father”.

“Jesus said unto them, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, before Abraham was, I am’” (John 8:58).

The New Testament was written in Greek, so the words are not going to be exactly the same, but can you guess what “I am” means in the Greek? If you guessed, “to be, exist” then you are exactly right. Jesus, who would be speaking in Hebrew to a group of Jews, uses the phrase, hayah, which everyone standing there knows is what God called Himself to Moses. This is Jesus saying, “I AM”.

You must decide for yourself if Jesus was and is God in the flesh, or if he is psychotic. There really are no other explanations. If He was who He claimed to be, then it was Jesus saying to Moses, “I AM THAT I AM”. For those of us who believe, He is still THE GREAT I AM!

The Name of the LORD

1 Samuel 17:45, 46

The story of David and Goliath is one of the most famous of all time, all literature included. It appeals to the underdog in all of us; how an undersized boy could face off with an oversized warrior and defeat him using a tiny rock and sling-shot. It gives us the feeling that anything is possible and that the odds are never too long. This story is great for motivational purposes, but it is even better when you know what really happened, and why it happened.

Goliath was the champion of the Philistines and he stood just over 9 feet tall. He had probably never lost even a skirmish much less an actual battle, and he had come to the valley everyday to challenge the Israelites. If he lost the battle, the Philistines agreed to serve Israel, but if he could defeat Israel’s champion, then Israel would belong to the Philistines. Every day he shouted the same threats, and every day Israel cowered in fear.

Along comes young David, a 17 year old boy who tends his father’s sheep every day. He is a soft-hearted kid who has never killed a man in his life and who spends his free time writing beautiful songs. When he arrives at camp to bring his brothers some food from home, he is struck by the lack of fight within Israel. He sees this giant mocking God everyday while no one stands to defend the Lord. David has seen it, and he has had enough!

He goes before Goliath with only a sling and a five stones, while Goliath comes with so much armor that he has another man carry most of it out to the battlefield. Goliath mocks David from the start, cursing him by the name of his gods. David calls Goliath an “uncircumcised Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:36), invoking the truth that Goliath has no covenant, while the circumcised Israelites are living under the covenant of God’s protection. Notice that David points out Goliath’s lack of divine protection which is key in understanding why David took this fight in the first place.

“I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts…” (1 Samuel 17:45). The text spells out LORD with all caps because that is the translators’ way of showing us which Hebrew name for God that David used. By saying LORD, he is using “Yahweh” or “Jehovah”, both meaning, “Covenant God”. David is not out to defeat Goliath with strength but with Covenant. God had agreed to honor those that honored Him, and David is taking Him up on it.

When you face off with the Goliaths of this world, don’t face them using your own goodness or morality. Face these giants with knowledge of what Christ has done for you. He has defeated all enemies and placed them under His feet. Know that He loves you and that you are His righteousness. Satan is powerless against the child of God that knows who they are in Christ. In truth, any member of Israel’s army could have had this victory if they had appealed to the same Covenant that young David did. This is why David was a man after God’s heart.

You have opportunity to trust the New Covenant which Jesus cut with His Father, or to trust your own works. Goliath is too big; I suggest you stick with Jesus.

The Names of Jesus

Isaiah 9:6, 7

The title is not a misprint; I did not mean to write “the name” of Jesus in the singular, but rather the “names” of Jesus. While there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12), it is not only the name “Jesus” by which the Son of God is identified.

Isaiah prophesied that a child would be born and a son would be given (Isaiah 9:6). This child and son was Jesus, the child of Mary and the Son of God. The government of both Israel and the world would rest on Jesus’ shoulders and His name shall be called “Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

“Wonderful” – Hebrew, “pele” - extraordinary, marvelous, hard to understand. Jesus was beyond ordinary and unlike any man before or after Him. His acts brought marvel to the minds of people, just as His miracles still bring in each one of us, and His ways are so unusual, so revolutionary to the Old Covenant that Peter called them “hard to be understood” (2 Peter 3:16).

“Counselor” – Hebrew, “ya’ats” – to advise, to consult, to give purpose. Another Greek word for the “Comforter” of the New Testament is “counselor”. Jesus was our original counselor and He promised to send, “another Comforter” (John 14:16). Both Jesus and the Holy Spirit function in this role of advisor and counselor, giving purpose to the believer in their daily walk.

“Mighty God” – Hebrew, “gibbowr ‘el” – the strong God or hero. Look at that last definition of “mighty God”; “hero”. Of all of the heroes of this world, there is none mightier, none braver and none more worthy than the true hero, Jesus Christ. This scripture also shows the Jewish world that the coming Messiah would not only be God’s Son, He would be God Himself.

“Everlasting Father” – Hebrew, “ ‘ad ‘ab” – perpetual, eternal head of household. Jesus is here known as the endless Father, a title that the Old Testament never attributes to God. Prior to Christ, Israel never viewed God as their Father, but Jesus both taught His disciples to pray to the Father and to call Him, “Abba” or “daddy” (Mark 14:36). It is actually this name, Father that Jesus came to reveal to the disciples and the world. All other Hebrew names for God were already well known, but Jesus said, “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world” (John 17:6).

“Prince of Peace” – Hebrew, “sar shalowm” – the leader of completeness, health, wholeness and prosperity. Jesus is the captain of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10), and as such, He is the leader of our complete wholeness in His finished work. The Hebrew word “shalom” means more than simple peace in our lives; it denotes all of our existence. Christ is the captain of our wholeness and health, even of our prosperity. Jesus left His peace with us, meaning that He left everything that He is, so that we can be that as well! (John 14:27)

You can call on Jesus using any of these names as a guide as to His true character. Remember that He not only desires to manifest Himself as these things in your life, He really is everyone of these descriptions. See Jesus in this manner and you see Jesus in His finished work.

The Name of the LORD

1 Samuel 17:45, 46

The story of David and Goliath is one of the most famous of all time, all literature included. It appeals to the underdog in all of us; how an undersized boy could face off with an oversized warrior and defeat him using a tiny rock and sling-shot. It gives us the feeling that anything is possible and that the odds are never too long. This story is great for motivational purposes, but it is even better when you know what really happened, and why it happened.

Goliath was the champion of the Philistines and he stood just over 9 feet tall. He had probably never lost even a skirmish much less an actual battle, and he had come to the valley everyday to challenge the Israelites. If he lost the battle, the Philistines agreed to serve Israel, but if he could defeat Israel’s champion, then Israel would belong to the Philistines. Every day he shouted the same threats, and every day Israel cowered in fear.

Along comes young David, a 17 year old boy who tends his father’s sheep every day. He is a soft-hearted kid who has never killed a man in his life and who spends his free time writing beautiful songs. When he arrives at camp to bring his brothers some food from home, he is struck by the lack of fight within Israel. He sees this giant mocking God everyday while no one stands to defend the Lord. David has seen it, and he has had enough!

He goes before Goliath with only a sling and a five stones, while Goliath comes with so much armor that he has another man carry most of it out to the battlefield. Goliath mocks David from the start, cursing him by the name of his gods. David calls Goliath an “uncircumcised Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:36), invoking the truth that Goliath has no covenant, while the circumcised Israelites are living under the covenant of God’s protection. Notice that David points out Goliath’s lack of divine protection which is key in understanding why David took this fight in the first place.

“I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts…” (1 Samuel 17:45). The text spells out LORD with all caps because that is the translators’ way of showing us which Hebrew name for God that David used. By saying LORD, he is using “Yahweh” or “Jehovah”, both meaning, “Covenant God”. David is not out to defeat Goliath with strength but with Covenant. God had agreed to honor those that honored Him, and David is taking Him up on it.

When you face off with the Goliaths of this world, don’t face them using your own goodness or morality. Face these giants with knowledge of what Christ has done for you. He has defeated all enemies and placed them under His feet. Know that He loves you and that you are His righteousness. Satan is powerless against the child of God that knows who they are in Christ. In truth, any member of Israel’s army could have had this victory if they had appealed to the same Covenant that young David did. This is why David was a man after God’s heart.

You have opportunity to trust the New Covenant which Jesus cut with His Father, or to trust your own works. Goliath is too big; I suggest you stick with Jesus.

The Names of Jesus

Isaiah 9:6, 7

The title is not a misprint; I did not mean to write “the name” of Jesus in the singular, but rather the “names” of Jesus. While there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12), it is not only the name “Jesus” by which the Son of God is identified.

Isaiah prophesied that a child would be born and a son would be given (Isaiah 9:6). This child and son was Jesus, the child of Mary and the Son of God. The government of both Israel and the world would rest on Jesus’ shoulders and His name shall be called “Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

“Wonderful” – Hebrew, “pele” - extraordinary, marvelous, hard to understand. Jesus was beyond ordinary and unlike any man before or after Him. His acts brought marvel to the minds of people, just as His miracles still bring in each one of us, and His ways are so unusual, so revolutionary to the Old Covenant that Peter called them “hard to be understood” (2 Peter 3:16).

“Counselor” – Hebrew, “ya’ats” – to advise, to consult, to give purpose. Another Greek word for the “Comforter” of the New Testament is “counselor”. Jesus was our original counselor and He promised to send, “another Comforter” (John 14:16). Both Jesus and the Holy Spirit function in this role of advisor and counselor, giving purpose to the believer in their daily walk.

“Mighty God” – Hebrew, “gibbowr ‘el” – the strong God or hero. Look at that last definition of “mighty God”; “hero”. Of all of the heroes of this world, there is none mightier, none braver and none more worthy than the true hero, Jesus Christ. This scripture also shows the Jewish world that the coming Messiah would not only be God’s Son, He would be God Himself.

“Everlasting Father” – Hebrew, “ ‘ad ‘ab” – perpetual, eternal head of household. Jesus is here known as the endless Father, a title that the Old Testament never attributes to God. Prior to Christ, Israel never viewed God as their Father, but Jesus both taught His disciples to pray to the Father and to call Him, “Abba” or “daddy” (Mark 14:36). It is actually this name, Father that Jesus came to reveal to the disciples and the world. All other Hebrew names for God were already well known, but Jesus said, “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world” (John 17:6).

“Prince of Peace” – Hebrew, “sar shalowm” – the leader of completeness, health, wholeness and prosperity. Jesus is the captain of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10), and as such, He is the leader of our complete wholeness in His finished work. The Hebrew word “shalom” means more than simple peace in our lives; it denotes all of our existence. Christ is the captain of our wholeness and health, even of our prosperity. Jesus left His peace with us, meaning that He left everything that He is, so that we can be that as well! (John 14:27)

You can call on Jesus using any of these names as a guide as to His true character. Remember that He not only desires to manifest Himself as these things in your life, He really is everyone of these descriptions. See Jesus in this manner and you see Jesus in His finished work.

Jesus: The 'I AM'

Exodus 3:13, 14

Moses asked God what he should say if the children of Israel were to ask him who had sent him to be their deliverer. God responded, “I AM THAT I AM”. “I AM” becomes a name for God in this passage that is translated in Hebrew as hayah, meaning “to be, exist”. God is saying that He just IS. There is no other explanation as to how He became or how He got “to be”; He just is what He is.

This revelation of the name of God was not given to Moses to tell Pharaoh. When Pharaoh asks a similar question to the one posed by Moses, Moses answers, “The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go” (Exodus 5:3). There is no need to prove God’s existence before Pharaoh, for he is not under the covenant of God. For Israel however, they know the stories of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, so they are looking for a revelation of who this God is.

The establishment of “I AM” doesn’t last long, as we don’t see God calling Himself this again, but instead He refers to Himself as “JEHOVAH” in Exodus 6:3. This is translated in Hebrews as Yehovah and it means “the existing one”. Elsewhere it is rendered by the English spelling of LORD, using all capital letters. Its reference is to the God of the covenant. Each time it is used it is hearkening back to the fact that God is not only powerful, but is faithful to honor covenant.

Following His encounter with the woman caught in adultery, Jesus gives a discourse on being the light of the world, telling the Pharisee’s that they are of their father the devil (John 8:44). He continues on by explaining that if a man keeps His sayings, “he shall never see death” (John 8:51). This infuriates the Jews because they know that Abraham and the prophets were great men, but they are dead, and they feel that Jesus is setting Himself up as greater than all that preceded Him.

“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad” (John 8:56), Jesus said. “Then said the Jews unto him, ‘Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?’” (John 8:57). By claiming that Abraham had seen Jesus’ day, He can only be insinuating one of two things. Either He is claiming to be hundreds of years old, having lived in the actual time of Abraham or He is claiming that He is God, having seen Abraham with His own eyes. Recall what Jesus has just said in verse 38, “I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father”.

“Jesus said unto them, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, before Abraham was, I am’” (John 8:58).

The New Testament was written in Greek, so the words are not going to be exactly the same, but can you guess what “I am” means in the Greek? If you guessed, “to be, exist” then you are exactly right. Jesus, who would be speaking in Hebrew to a group of Jews, uses the phrase, hayah, which everyone standing there knows is what God called Himself to Moses. This is Jesus saying, “I AM”.

You must decide for yourself if Jesus was and is God in the flesh, or if he is psychotic. There really are no other explanations. If He was who He claimed to be, then it was Jesus saying to Moses, “I AM THAT I AM”. For those of us who believe, He is still THE GREAT I AM!