Who does Jesus say He is?
Looking at some of the titles Jesus attributed to Himself
There is no other Person like Jesus Christ. The entire Bible focuses on the progressive revelation of the Messiah. If fact, the last book of the New Testament, The Revelation of Jesus Christ to John, is the ultimate revelation of God who became flesh, ascended to heaven, and will return, not only to rule over all, but also to judge all, the living, and the dead. Here are some of the titles or functions He explained to those around Him, that He is. Note that He speaks in the present indefinite tense – there is no past or future, but the present, which encompasses time.
Bread
He identifies Himself as bread, the basis of all food types. When we have bread, we need nothing more. He uses the term bread to remind his followers that God sustained the nation in the desert by feeding them bread from heaven. He says: I am the bread of life – John 6:35; I am the bread which came down from heaven – John 6:41; and I am the living bread – John 6:51.
Light
He identifies Himself as light and is our source of guidance. The sun shines for part of the day, and then disappears. The same goes for the moon. Jesus is the permanent light of the world. He says: I am the light of the world – John 8:12 and John 9:5.
I am
He is simply and totally that – all and everything. He says: I am – John 8:58 and Exodus 3:14.
Door
He identifies Himself as the door, the way of entrance to eternal life. There is no other way to salvation except through this door. He says: I am the door of the sheep – John 10:7 and John 10:9.
Good shepherd
He identifies Himself as the guide towards eternal life. His character reflects goodness. He says: I am the good shepherd – John 10:11; John 10:14; and Psalm 23:1.
The Son of God
He clearly states that He is the Son of God. We need no further evidence or discussion on this point. He says: I am the Son of God – John 10:36.
The resurrection
He clearly states that resurrection to eternal life is in Him alone. Whoever dies in Him, will live in Him. He says: I am the resurrection; and the life – John 11:25.
The way
The path that leads to God is through Him alone. All others lead to destruction. He says: I am the way, the truth, and the life – John 14:6.
The truth
He is the only truth. All others are false. He says: I am the way, the truth, and the life – John 14:6.
The life
He is the only source of eternal life. All others lead to death. He says: I am the way, the truth, and the life – John 14:6.
The true vine
He is the vine into which we are grafted. We receive our sustenance from Him alone. He says: I am the true vine – John 15:1 and John 15:5.
Jesus of Nazareth
He confirms that He is Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah. He says: I am he – Jesus of Nazareth – John 18:5 and Acts 22:8.
The first
He is the first (start, alpha) of all things, the beginning. He says: I am the first and the last – Revelation 1:17 and Revelation 22:13.
The last
He is the end (end, omega) of all things. All things end with Him. He says: I am the first and the last – Revelation 1:17 and Revelation 22:13.
The root
Just as He is the vine, He is the root, the source and foundation of life. He says: I am the root and the offspring of David – Revelation 22:16.
The offspring
He identifies the family line through which He would come in the flesh, and reign forever. He says: I am the root and the offspring of David – Revelation 22:16.
If God speaks to you so clearly today, how can you possibly doubt Him?