Three “I Am Not”
Statements of Jesus
By Joe Caruso Stories
If you’ve been a Christian for any length of time, you’re probably familiar with the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus. They’re found throughout the Gospel of John. These statements give us a beautiful insight into Jesus’ identity and character.
- “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
- “I am the True Vine” – John 15:1
But did you know that in John 8, Jesus also made three “I Am Not” statements? Three more statements that help us understand his divine nature. Let’s look at each statement and discover what Jesus is not.
“I am not Alone”
In John 8, a dispute broke out between Jesus and some Pharisees, as to who Jesus really was. The Pharisees said Jesus’ claims about himself weren’t valid because there was no one to corroborate his statements. Jesus corrected them saying that he was never alone because the Father was always with him.
Jesus has always existed in community with the Father. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” In John 10:30 Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.”
Jesus can not be separated from the Father. They’re one in identity and purpose. Jesus was telling the Pharisees that there was no distinction between himself and God.
When we surrender our life to Jesus, he invites us to live in community with him and the Father for eternity. As Christians, we have the security of knowing we’re not alone. Jesus promised to never leave us or forsake us. He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
“I am not of this World”
When Jesus told the Pharisees that the Father was with him, they asked the obvious question, “Where is your father?” Jesus went on to explain that they didn’t know him or his father because, unlike the Pharisees, he and the Father were not of this world.
Again, Jesus was pointing to his true identity. He was telling the Pharisees that this world was not his home. Jesus is the creator of this world and not bound by its limitations.
Later in John 15:19, Jesus told his disciples that they too were not of this world. And, in Philippians 3:20 we read that our citizenship is in heaven.
While we may be in this world, as Christians, we are definitely not of this world. Our morality and values come from our true citizenship with Christ. This world is our mission field where we are called to reflect Christ’s love until he calls us home.
“I am not Seeking Glory for Myself”
As the conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees continued, the Pharisees became more and more frustrated. They were unwilling to hear or understand what Jesus was saying to them. Jesus called out their true motives and their desire to kill him. He told the Pharisees he didn’t seek glory for himself, but all glory belonged to God.
Jesus didn’t come to be a king but to be a servant. Philippians 2 tells us that equality with God wasn’t something Jesus sought for his own advantage. Instead, he humbled himself and made the ultimate sacrifice, to die on the cross.
In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus called his followers to follow his example and be the light of the world. And in following Jesus’ example, we are to shine our light, not on ourselves, but so others will glorify God.
The debate about Jesus’ identity continued until finally, instead of trusting in Jesus, the Pharisees picked up rocks to stone him. But Jesus slipped away from the crowd and left in another direction.
Knowing who Jesus is, and who he is not, is imperative to understanding his true identity. Fully man and fully God, Jesus came to bridge the gap between heaven and earth and turn our sinfulness into righteousness. We can have peace knowing that Jesus paid the price for our salvation, so we can once and for all, become the children of God.
If you enjoyed this post, consider subscribing to the Aim High Newsletter. You’ll receive my monthly spiritual insight and more, directly into your inbox. Just hit the subscribe button below to sign up.