JESUS IS: Feeling Lost, Empty, or Hopeless? Jesus Answers with ‘I AM’

September 1st, 2025
by Richie Cancel

John 8:58

“Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.’”

This verse anchors the entire sermon. It ties Jesus directly to the divine name revealed in Exodus 3:14, where God told Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” Every “I AM” statement in John’s Gospel unfolds that reality in practical, life-changing ways.

Introduction

Have you ever felt like life leaves you empty, no matter how much you try to fill it? Or maybe you’ve looked in the mirror and thought, “I should be satisfied, but I’m not.”

I still remember as a kid walking home from school in Sunset Park. One day, I spotted a $20 bill on the sidewalk. I felt lucky — and every day after that, I walked with my eyes glued to the ground, hoping lightning would strike twice. But that’s the thing: “luck” is fleeting. It promises satisfaction but never really fills.

The truth is, our souls crave something deeper. And that’s where Jesus steps in. In the Gospel of John, Jesus reveals Himself with a series of bold, life-giving statements, each beginning with: “I AM.” These aren’t just titles; they are answers to the deepest cries of our hearts.

“I AM”—Title of God (What Does “I AM” Mean in the Bible?)

When Jesus said in John 8:58, “Before Abraham was, I AM,” He wasn’t just making a poetic claim. He was declaring Himself to be the eternal God of Exodus 3:14. This shook His audience. They knew exactly what He meant — that He was claiming to be Yahweh, the self-existent One. That’s why they picked up stones to kill Him (John 8:59). But here’s the good news: that same eternal “I AM” is the One who steps into our present struggles.

Explicit NT “I AM” Claims by Jesus (Where Does Jesus Call Himself “I AM”?)

Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus repeats this divine claim with personal, practical images that speak to our deepest needs. Each one answers a human cry:

- “I feel hungry and empty.” → I am the Bread of Life.
- “I feel lost in darkness.” → I am the Light of the World.
- “I feel shut out.” → I am the Door.
- “I feel abandoned.” → I am the Good Shepherd.
- “I fear death.” → I am the Resurrection and the Life.
- “I feel lost and confused.” → I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
- “I feel powerless.” → I am the True Vine.

I AM the Bread of Life (Does Jesus Really Satisfy Our Hunger?)

In John 6:35, Jesus said: “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”

When the crowds followed Him after the miracle of feeding thousands, He confronted them: “You’re chasing Me for the free lunch, not for eternal life.” (John 6:26–27).

That hits close to home, doesn’t it? How often do we chase Jesus for what He can give us — a job, a relationship, a healing — instead of seeking Him for who He is?

True satisfaction doesn’t come from another paycheck, another meal, or another relationship. It comes from the living Word of God (Deut. 8:3).

I AM the Light of the World (How Does Jesus Bring Light to My Darkness?)

John 8:12 records Jesus saying: “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

We live in a world filled with darkness: confusion, doubt, depression. But light is the one thing that overpowers darkness instantly. Just as Israel followed God’s pillar of fire through the wilderness (Ex. 13:21), we follow Jesus as our guiding light.

When I wake up some mornings feeling the weight of life, I have to remind myself: “I don’t walk alone. Jesus is my light. He knows the way.”

I AM the Door of the Sheep (Is Jesus the Only Way In?)

In John 10:9, Jesus says: “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.”

We live in a culture that says, “All roads lead to God.” But Jesus makes an exclusive claim — there’s one door. Only one entry point into life with God.

But notice the promise: if you come through Him, you’ll not only be saved, you’ll find pasture — safety, freedom, nourishment.

I AM the Good Shepherd (Does Jesus Really Care About Me?)

John 10:11 declares: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”

Unlike hired hands who run when danger comes, Jesus laid down His life at the cross. He doesn’t just care from a distance — He knows your name, your voice, your needs (John 10:14).

When you feel abandoned or unseen, remember Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” That promise is fulfilled in Jesus.

I AM the Resurrection and the Life (Can Jesus Overcome Death?)

When Martha mourned her brother Lazarus, Jesus told her: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11:25–26).

Death is the ultimate fear. But Jesus didn’t just talk about resurrection — He proved it by calling Lazarus from the grave. And even more, by rising Himself.

That means when we face death — whether our own or someone we love — we face it with hope. As Job said: “I know that my Redeemer lives.” (Job 19:25).

I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Is Jesus Really the Only Way to God?)

In John 14:6, Jesus said it plainly: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

That’s not popular today. But narrow as it sounds, it’s the most gracious truth in the world. God didn’t leave us lost; He gave us a way.

When you feel confused or uncertain, Jesus is your guide. When lies swirl around you, He is the truth. When you feel dead inside, He is life itself.

I AM the True Vine (How Do I Stay Spiritually Strong?)

John 15:5 says: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

This is about connection. A branch can’t survive apart from the vine. Neither can we thrive apart from Jesus.

Sometimes God prunes us — cuts things out of our lives that hurt in the moment. But He does it so we bear more fruit. The key is abiding. Stay close. Stay connected.

Practical Application for Today

So what does this mean for us?

- If you’re hungry for more in life, Jesus is your bread.
- If you’re stumbling in the dark, He is your light.
- If you feel shut out, He is your door.
- If you feel alone, He is your shepherd.
- If you fear death, He is your resurrection.
- If you’re lost, He is your way.
- If you’re weak, He is your vine.

Every cry of the human heart finds its answer in Jesus.

Closing Application & Prayer

Friend, you don’t have to leave the way you came.

If you walked in today empty — He can fill you.
If you came in dark — He can shine on you.
If you came in defeated — He can give you victory.
If you came in hopeless — He can be your hope.

That’s who Jesus is. That’s what “I AM” means.
Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, thank You for being everything my heart longs for. Be my bread, my light, my door, my shepherd, my resurrection, my way, my truth, my life, and my vine. I choose to abide in You today. Amen.”

FAQ: Jesus says I am

What does “I AM” mean in the Bible?

It’s God’s divine name from Exodus 3:14, showing His eternal existence. Jesus applies it to Himself in John 8:58.

How many “I AM” statements did Jesus make?

Seven in John’s Gospel: Bread, Light, Door, Good Shepherd, Resurrection & Life, Way/Truth/Life, and Vine.

Is Jesus the only way to God?

Yes. John 14:6 makes it clear: no one comes to the Father except through Him.

How do I abide in Jesus?

Stay connected through prayer, His Word, and obedience — like a branch staying attached to the vine.

John 10

9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

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