Source: Brian Neil Peterson, John’s Use of Ezekiel: Understanding the Unique Perspective of the Fourth Gospel (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2015), 129–163.
John’s “I Am” Sayings in Light of Ezekiel.wav
This topic explores the unique "I Am" sayings of Jesus in the Gospel of John, arguing they intentionally connect Jesus to God (Yahweh) and the coming Messiah as portrayed in the prophet Ezekiel. The author highlights how these phrases, particularly those linking Jesus to concepts like the Bread of Life, Light of the World, and Good Shepherd, echo themes and even structural elements found throughout Ezekiel. Ultimately, the chapter contends that John utilizes these sayings and a “recognition formula” similar to Ezekiel's ("then they will know that I am Yahweh") to demonstrate that believing in Jesus reveals God and brings eternal life, serving as a re-education for his audience about Jesus' true identity.
“I am the Bread of Life.” “I am the Light of the World.” “I am the Good Shepherd.”
For centuries, these seven “I Am” sayings of Jesus, recorded in the Gospel of John, have stood as some of the most iconic and poetic statements in the biblical text. They are beautiful, powerful, and deeply memorable metaphors for the identity and mission of Jesus.
But what if they are more than just metaphors? What if these famous declarations are not standalone pronouncements but part of a deep, intentional conversation with an Old Testament prophet who wrote nearly 600 years earlier?
This post explores the surprising and impactful connections between the Gospel of John and the book of Ezekiel. By revealing this hidden layer of meaning, we can see how Jesus’s famous declarations were designed to answer ancient cries, solve ancient problems, and reveal his identity in a way his audience would have found both shocking and profound.