It is important to remember that this **"I AM"** saying only applies when used without a description/predicate, or what is called the the absolute form. The absolute form of **"ἐγώ εἰμι"** (without a predicate) is not attested in non-Jewish Greek texts, nor in the writings of [[Josephus1960-dt|Josephus]] and [[Philo_of_Alexandria1929-dc|Philo of Alexandria]], they are unique to the Bible alone ([[Williams2000-jf]]). There are 7 sayings without a predicate in John.
# 1. The Claim At The Well (John 4:26)
Jesus explicitly reveals His Messiahship with the Samaritan woman. During the conversation, the woman was sure that the Messiah would come and explain everything to them just as God promised in by [Deuteronomy 18:15-18](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/DEU.18.15-18). Samaritan beliefs are rooted in the Pentateuch and they would be aware of the absolute **ἐγώ εἰµι** used as the divine name ([[Haencgen1959-tz]], [[Williams2000-jf]])
> [!bible]+ [John 4:25-26 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/43/4/)
> 25. The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” 26. Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he (**"I AM - ἐγώ εἰµι**).”
This self-disclosure parallels [Isaiah 52:6](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.52.6), where God speaks of making Himself known to His people as well as assages like [Revelation 7:16](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/REV.7.16) [Isaiah 49:10](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.49.10). John is not just using the divine name but also paralleling the outline of two betrothal stories in ([Genesis 24](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/GEN.24), [[Lincoln2019-cr]]). John narrates the story to show that Jesus is declaring himself the groom of Israel.
| **Betrothal Element** | **Genesis 24 (Isaac & Rebekah)** | **John 4 (Jesus & Samaritan Woman)** |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **The bridegroom travels to a foreign land and meets a woman at a well** | Abraham’s servant travels to Mesopotamia and meets Rebekah at a well | Jesus travels to Samaria and meets a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well |
| **There is dialogue about water** | Abraham’s servant asks Rebekah for water from the well | Jesus speaks to the woman about "living water" (John 4:10) |
| **The woman hurries home to report about the man** | Rebekah returns home to report about the stranger | The Samaritan woman returns to her town to tell others about Jesus (John 4:28-29) |
| **Invitation to visit the father-in-law’s home/town** | The servant is invited to stay with Rebekah’s family | Jesus is invited to stay in the Samaritan town (John 4:40) |
| **Betrothal arranged at a meal** | A meal is shared before the servant proposes the marriage arrangement | Jesus reveals spiritual truths, leading to the people accepting Him as the Messiah |
| **The male reveals his identity** | The servant reveals he is from Abraham’s household | Jesus reveals His identity as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman (John 4:26) |
| | | |
This table highlights the symbolic parallels between Genesis 24 and John 4, showing how John draws upon Old Testament betrothal imagery to portray Jesus as the divine bridegroom and that Jesus is fulfilling the roles traditionally ascribed to God..
| **Attribute** | **God in the Old Testament** | **Jesus in the New Testament** |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Bridegroom** | God is called the bridegroom and husband of Judah ([Isaiah 54:5](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.54.5), [62:5](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.62.5); [Hosea 2:19-20](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/HOS.2.19-20); [Jeremiah 3:14](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JER.3.14); [Ezekiel 16:8](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/EZK.16.8) | Jesus is referred to as the bridegroom of the Church and Israel ([Matthew 9:15](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.9.15); [John 3:29](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.3.29); [Revelation 19:7-9](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/REV.19.7-9)) |
| **Living Water** | God is called the living water, symbolizing spiritual sustenance ([Jeremiah 2:13](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JER.2.13)<br>, [17:13](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JER.17.13) ; [Isaiah 55:1](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.55.1) ; [Psalm 36:9](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/PSA.36.9); [Zechariah 14:8](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ZEC.14.8); [Ezekiel 47:1](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/EZK.47.1)) | Jesus offers living water, representing eternal life and the Holy Spirit ([John 4:10](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.4.10), [7:37-38](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.7.37-38); [1 Corinthians 10:4](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/1CO.10.4) [Revelation 7:17](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/REV.7.17); [Revelation 22:1](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/REV.22.1)) |
John has gone out of his way to show that Jesus embodies God's presence through this **"I am"** declaration and the story of the Samaritan woman. This event symbolizes a new type of relationship between God and not just the Israelites but also the Samaritans and possibly all of humanity ([[Mayfield_undated-ug]]).
# 2. The Claim On The Water
When stuck in a storm on the sea, the disciples were lost in the dark of the night. Then they saw Jesus and became frightened that he walked walking on water, supposing him to be a ghost ([Matthew 14:26](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.14.26); [Mark 6:50](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.6.50);). But Jesus comforts them in the midst of the storm with His next **I AM** Claim.
> [!bible]+ [John 6:19-21 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/43/6/)
> 19. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20. But he said to them, “It is I (**"I AM - ἐγώ εἰµι**); do not be afraid.” 21. Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
By saying **"I AM (ἐγώ εἰµι)"**; do not fear," Jesus echoes the comforting words of God though [Isaiah 43](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.43), where God assures His protection to the Israelites amidst troubles. According to Ball, every "Do Not Fear" fear combination in the Hebrew Bible comes from the mouth of God and [[Lincoln2005-sc|Andrew Lincoln]] notes many of these statements also use **"I AM"** statements.
> [!Tip]- I AM, Do not be Afraid
>
>
| **Verse Reference** | **Verse** |
| ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Genesis 15:1 | After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "**Do not be afraid**, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." |
| Genesis 26:24 | That night the Lord appeared to him and said, "I am the God of your father Abraham. **Do not be afraid**, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham." |
| Genesis 46:3 | "I am God, the God of your father," he said. "**Do not be afraid** to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there." |
| Judges 6:23 | But the Lord said to him, "**Peace! Do not be afraid**. You are not going to die." |
| Isaiah 41:10 | So **do not fear**, for I am with you; **do not be dismayed**, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. |
| Isaiah 41:13 | For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, **Do not fear**; I will help you. |
| Isaiah 43:1 | But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: "**Do not fear**, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." |
| Isaiah 43:5 | **Do not be afraid**, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. |
| Isaiah 44:2 | This is what the Lord says— he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: **Do not be afraid**, Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. |
| Isaiah 54:4 | "**Do not be afraid**; you will not be put to shame. **Do not fear** disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood." |
| Genesis 15:1 | After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "**Do not be afraid**, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." |
| Isaiah 41:4 | Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord—with the first of them and with the last—I am he." |
| Isaiah 43:10 | "You are my witnesses," declares the Lord, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me." |
| Isaiah 43:25 | "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." |
| Isaiah 45:18 | For this is what the Lord says— he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited— he says: "I am the Lord, and there is no other." |
| Isaiah 46:4 | Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. |
| Isaiah 48:12 | "Listen to me, Jacob, Israel, whom I have called: I am he; I am the first and I am the last." |
| Isaiah 51:12 | "I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass." |
Just as God assured His people with "Do not fear" statements tied to His presence and protection, Jesus demonstrates His authority and divinity by walking on water and calming the disciples' fear. This parallel highlights that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises, offering peace, protection, and salvation in the midst of life’s storms, confirming that He is indeed the God who was, is, and always will be.
# 3-5 The Three Claims To The Pharisees
The **"I AM"** statements in John 8 is part of a broader conversation where Jesus challenges the Jewish leaders' understanding of who He is. In John 8, Jesus is engaging in a heated dialogue with the Pharisees. The religious leaders question His authority and His identity, asking Him who He is. Throughout the chapter, Jesus repeatedly speaks of His divine origin and His unique relationship with the Father. The central issue is whether the people will recognize Jesus for who He truly is—God incarnate.
Jesus foretells His departure (death and ascension) and warns them that they will die in their sins if they do not believe in Him. This warning of Jesus that the Jews will die in their sins is stated in [John 8:21](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.8.21) and then is repeated two times in [John 8:24](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.8.24), He stresses that their failure to recognize His true identity will have eternal consequences. The only way of avoiding this fate is to believe Jesus as **ἐγώ εἰµι**. The people who have faith in Jesus will be forgiven for their sins and will be saved from death. In the following passages of John 8, Jesus makes a bold declaration:
> [!bible] John 8:24, 28 ,58
> 24. I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he (**I am (ἐγώ εἰμι)**,) you will die in your sins.”
> 28. So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he (**I am (ἐγώ εἰμι)**), and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.
> 58. Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am (**I am (ἐγώ εἰμι)**).”
## John 8:24 (Claim 3)
> [!bible]+ [John 8:24 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/43/8/)
> 24. I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he (**I am (ἐγώ εἰμι)**,) you will die in your sins.”
After Jesus makes the statement in verse 24, the Jews still ask, "Who are you?"—showing their confusion and disbelief. Despite all that Jesus has said and done, they still do not grasp His divine identity. Jesus links belief in His divine identity to salvation. This references to [Isaiah 43:10-11](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.43.10-11) when paired with his previous statements in [John 8:18](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.8.18);
> [!bible]+ [Isaiah 43:10-11 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/23/43/)
> 10. “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he (**I am (ἐγώ εἰμι)**). Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. 11. I, I am (**I am (ἐγώ εἰμι)**) the LORD, and besides me there is no savior.
The witnesses is Isaiah is Israel and God makes it plain that He is the only savior for Israel.
> [!bible]+ [Deuteronomy 32:39 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/5/32/)
> 39. “‘See now that I, even I, am he (**I am (ἐγώ εἰμι)**), and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.
Jesus answers in [John 8:26](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.8.26), asserting that His teachings come from God and He has the authority to condemn. The **ἐγώ εἰµι** phrases in [John 8:23](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.8.23), [24](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.8.24), and [28](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.8.28) reinforce the idea that Jesus belongs to the divine realm, a space only accessible to God.
## John 8:28 (Claim 4)
> [!bible]+ [John 8:28 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/43/8/)
> 28. So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he (**I am (ἐγώ εἰμι)**), and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.
He predicts in [John 8:28](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.8.28) that when the Jews have lifted up (crucify) the Son of Man, they will realize that **ἐγώ εἰµι**. His sacrifice will lead to recognition and belief in His true identity that whoever believes in him will live forever ([John 3:16](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.3.16)). Just as those that came to believe that Jesus was the **ἐγώ εἰµι** in [John 8:30](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.8.30). Jesus’ self-revelation itself generates people’s faith in him. These statements reveal His unique authority and power, which are attributes exclusively held by God. This portrayal is consistent with [John 1:1-18](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.1.1-18), where Jesus is presented as fully divine from the beginning.
Additionally, Jesus is calling to [Isaiah 52:13](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.52.13):
> [!bible]+ [Isaiah 52:13 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/23/52/)
> 13. Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted.
D.M. Ball relates this to Second Temple Jewish thought. In this tradition, understanding God's identity is closely tied to His actions in history. For example, God's identity is revealed through powerful acts like the Exodus. Similarly, Ball views Jesus' "lifting up" on the cross as a historic act through which humanity can identify God ([[Ball1996-uc]]).
## John 8:58 (Claim 5)
After the previous two statements, Jesus tells the Jews that chose to believe in him to keep is word and they would be set free. However, the Jews argue that as descendants of Abraham, they have never been enslaved. Jesus clarifies that everyone who sins is a slave to sin, and only He, the Son, can provide true freedom.
The conversation escalates as Jesus challenges their claim to be Abraham's children, stating that if they were, they would follow Abraham's example of faith rather than seeking to kill Him. Jesus reveals that their actions align more with the devil, their true father, who rejects the truth. The Jews further insult Jesus by accusing Him of being a demon-possessed Samaritan, but He refutes this, saying He honors His Father and promises eternal life to those who keep His word. When the Jews question how Jesus can promise eternal life, since Abraham and the prophets died, Jesus responds that Abraham rejoiced to see His day. The Jews, shocked by Jesus' claim, question how He could have possibly seen Abraham. Jesus responds with the most powerful **I AM** statement in the chapter;
> [!bible]+ John 8:58
> 58. Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was (**γενέσθαι**), I am (**ἐγώ εἰμι**)."
One of the clearest of Jesus' "I am" statements, Jesus speaks with the divine name. The aorist infinitive **γενέσθαι** ("to become" or "to be created") is used in reference to Abraham's creation, indicating a past action. In contrast, the present tense **ἐγώ εἰμι** ("I am") used by Jesus is an ongoing, eternal existence. In Isaiah, a similar contrast is drawn between the present tense associated with YHWH (**ἐγώ εἰμι**) and the aorist tense **ἐγένετο** ("became") referring to other gods:
> [!bible]+ Isaiah 43:10
> 10. “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that **ἐγώ εἰμι** ("I am he"). before me no god was **ἐγένετο** ("formed"), nor shall there be any after me.”
[Isaiah 43:10](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.43.10) emphasizes YHWH's eternal existence in contrast to the temporal existence of other beings or gods ([[Ball1996-uc]]). The Isaiah Targum also makes connections between Abraham in this verse as well ([[Mayfield_undated-ug]]).
> [!quote] Andrew Lincoln presses this connection
>
> “Significantly, there Yahweh’s self- predication in terms of ego eimi is also contrasted with the temporal existence of another being, of whom the aroist tense ginomai is employed [...] Jesus’ claim to be the self-revelation of the one true God is now unmistakable.” ([[Lincoln2005-sc]])
The reaction of Jesus' audience in verse 59, where they pick up stones to throw at Him, indicates that they clearly understood the gravity of His claim - blasphemy. This doesn't just show pre-exsistance of Abraham, but when viewed in light of Isaiah, creation itself ([[Mayfield_undated-ug]]).
> [!bible]+ [Leviticus 24:16 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/3/24/)
> 16. Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.
The reaction of the Jews can only be explained by their perception of Jesus’ **ἐγώ εἰµι** pronouncement as a blasphemous claim to divinity. Only God is appropriate for this designation, with all otherclaimants guilty of blasphemy.
# 6. The Claim To His Disiciples
The next claim takes place during the narrative of the Last Supper, where Jesus is having a final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion. Jesus is revealing to them crucial details about the coming betrayal and His identity.
> [!bible]+ [John 13:18-19 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/43/13/)
> 18. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19. I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he.
Jesus refers to a specific prophecy, quoting from Psalm 41:9. This Psalm speaks about betrayal by a close friend. Jesus is alluding to Judas Iscariot, who will betray Him.
> [!bible]+ [Psalm 41:9 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/19/41/)
> 9. Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
By saying in verse 18, "I know whom I have chosen," Jesus explains why He is revealing this information in advance. The reason for Jesus’ prediction is for his disciples to believe that **ἐγώ εἰµι** when the betrayal occurs. That is to say, the fulfillment of the betrayal will testify to Jesus as **ἐγώ εἰµι**. This prediction of Jesus seems to follow the prophetic tradition. According to [Deuteronomy 18:18-22](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/DEU.18.18-22), the fulfillment of a prophecy will testify to the true prophet.
Moreover, Jesus stresses his identity as the Teacher, Lord, and master of his disciples and emphasizes that it is him who has chosen the disciples in [John 13:12-20](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.13.12-20). Rabbis rarely choose their own disciples but Jesus is paralleling how God chose Israel as his own people. He wants His disciples to understand that His foreknowledge of the betrayal is not a random coincidence but a fulfillment of Scripture.
The fulfillment of this saying shows that Jesus knows and can predict the future. [[Mayfield_undated-ug|Andrew T. Lincoln]] has shown that In the Old Testament, only God has this power ([Isaiah 41:21-23](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.41.21-23), [Isaiah 42:9](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.42.9), [Isaiah 43:8-13](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.43.8-13)).
In [Isaiah 44:7-8](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.44.7-8) God vindicates his divinity by reminding his people of what He has done for them and predicting what He will do. Jesus does the same thing by explaining to his disciples what he has done for them and predicting that he will be betrayed, Jesus even makes a prophecy as the verification of his divine identity in the exact way that God the Father vindicates his divinity with the prophecy. The prediction unveils both the divine identity and divine authority of Jesus since he is actually in control of his own circumstances and is able to guarantee the fulfillment of his mission.
# 7. The Claim To The Soldiers (John 18:4-6)
In the culmination of the **I AM** Statements, Jesus makes his biggest statement at the moment of His betrayal. He had spent His last night in the garden with His disciples, and had just been so stressed about events to transpire that Jesus sweat blood. It was at this moment when Judas came with an angry mob to arrest Jesus. Rather then timidity going with his captors Jesus approaches and boldly declares **I AM**;
> [!bible]+ [John 18:4-8 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/43/18/)
> 4. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5. They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he. (**I AM - ἐγώ εἰμι**)” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6. When Jesus said to them, “I am he (**I AM - ἐγώ εἰμι**),” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7. So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8. Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he (**I AM - ἐγώ εἰμι**). So, if you seek me, let these men go.”
It is Jesus’ **I AM - ἐγώ εἰμι** pronouncement that causes the dramatic reaction of the arresting people. The Jewish mob knew what was being said, for they "they drew back and fell to the ground". They were afraid of the one claiming to be **I AM**. This matches how others in the Bible react when they see the glory of God such as in [Ezekiel 1:28](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/EZK.1.28);
> [!bible] [Ezekiel 1:28 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/26/1/)
> 28. Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
Or [Daniel 10:9](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/DAN.10.9)
> [!bible] [Daniel 10:9 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/27/10/)
> 9. Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground.
What's unique about this passage compared to the other 6 (**I AM**) saying of John is that in both John 18:5 and 18:6, **ἐγώ εἰμι** by itself forms an independent sentence. This way of **ἐγώ εἰμι** pronouncement has never been used by God. In the Septuagint, YHWH’s **ἐγώ εἰμι** pronouncements
always form a part of the sentence, such as the ones in [Exodus 3:14](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/EXO.3.14); [Deuteronomy 32:39](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/DEU.32.39); [Isaiah 41:4](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.41.4),[43:10](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.43.10), [43:25](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.43.25); [46:4](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.46.4),[48:12](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.48.12), [51:12](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.51.12), [52:6](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ISA.52.6).
Jesus' declaration of (**I AM - ἐγώ εἰμι**) claims the sacred name of God, marking a pivotal point in the narrative. Unlike any previous pronouncement of **I AM**, His independent statement is unambiguous claim to authority and divinity, instilling fear in those who came to arrest Him. This powerful affirmation reveals that even in the face of betrayal and imminent suffering, Jesus stands firmly in His identity as **I AM**.