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What are the 7 “I am” statements of Jesus?
These 7 statements Jesus spoke, recorded in the book of John, are where Jesus makes claims about who He is.
As Christian parents, we are called to raise our children up knowing who Jesus is, and to help them to connect with Jesus and seek God first in all things. Through these 7 simple truths, you can help them to build an unshakeable faith.
Whether you study all of the statements at once or take a deep dive into one each day, there is so much we can learn and teach our kids about Jesus.
1. “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51)
Younger kids may have a little trouble with this one, but that’s where I recommend relating it to a story they may know already. Jesus feeding the 5000 is a miracle that kids can grasp and is found in the beginning of chapter 6.
Even when it seems impossible, God always provides. He not only provides for our physical needs, like manna in the wilderness (another great example where God provided bread for nourishment) or food for 5000 men; but He also provides what we need even more…Jesus, the bread of life.
2. “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12, 9:5)
Darkness cannot overcome Him. If we stay close to God, He will guide our path. Jesus was, is, and is to come. A miracle to talk about here would be found in chapter 9, the healing of the man born blind. Picture yourself living in total darkness your whole life and then gain the gift of sight. What would that feel like?
Similarly, we are in darkness until we accept Jesus, then we have the light of life, and it is indescribable.
3. “I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7,9)
In Jesus‘ time, shepherds at night would lie down in the opening (the door) to the sheep pen to protect the sheep. The sheep wanted and needed to be in the sheepfold, safe with their shepherd.
There was only one way in, and the shepherd was the door. This is like the kingdom of heaven in that the only way in is through Jesus. We want and need to be close to God, in His loving protection, and Jesus is the door. He loves us and wants us to be with Him and so He made a way.
A fun activity to pair with this is using play dough to build a sheep pen made of piled up “stones” with one opening. They could even make little sheep and a shepherd to lay at the door.
4. “I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11, 14)
A good shepherd takes care of his sheep, guides his sheep and protects his sheep, even laying down his life for them. He knows each and every one and his sheep know his voice.
We are each “fearfully and wonderfully made” in God’s image (Psalm 139:14), He knows our hearts (Psalm 139:1-4), God will always provide for us (Matthew 6:31-33), He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide our hearts (John 15:26) and we can learn God’s voice by reading His word and praying to him (Psalm 119:105).
For this one, if you have a pet, you can use the pet as an example. You know them and they know you. You want to protect them and love on them. This can help give children a tangible example of Gods love for us.
5. “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)
Shortly after Jesus makes this claim, He backs it up, and in a huge way. The miracle of Lazarus being raised to life can be found in John 11:38-44. Jesus holds the authority over death, He already made this claim in John 10:17-18. We can rejoice because he rose.
Every year shortly before Easter, we make a resurrection garden. The kids have so much fun with this.
6. “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
I recommend getting a small gift for this one, for example, a sweet treat or stuffed animal. Hold it out to your child and tell them it is for them. Then ask them what they have to do to get the gift. Most will say to simply take it…and maybe say thank you. Ask them why they didn’t try and give you money or earn the gift. Also ask if they could have the gift without accepting it. Well of course not.
Faith in Jesus is the only way. Eternal life with God is a gift, we simply need to accept Jesus’ finished work on the cross. Because of our sin we could not be with God, so God came to us, and made a way. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
7. “I am the true vine.” (John 15:1, 5)
We must remain attached to Him in order to bear fruit. A tangible example for this one is any plant that bears fruit. Ask the child, if we were to cut a branch off, could that branch still bear fruit?
What if it already had fruit started, what would happen to those fruits?
We are just like the branches, we must remain attached to the main vine, that is, Jesus. This would also be a great time to tie in the Fruit of the Spirit.
Our 7 “I am” statements Printable Activity
We love using this matching activity to help learn the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus written in the book of John. This activity can be used for your homeschool bible time, in a Sunday school classroom, or just as a fun activity to get you and your kiddos into the Word.
You can check out this printable in our Etsy shop here if you are interested.
To make it reusable, I laminated the base and icons and used velcro dot (hook and loop) stickers.
Your Sister in Christ,
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