Acts 9:5 (ESV): “And he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.'”

In today’s Bible reading of, Acts 9:1-22 stands a transformative encounter between Saul, later known as the Apostle Paul, and the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Within this account lies a pivotal revelation encapsulated in the words, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5, ESV). This statement goes beyond a mere identification; it unfolds as the greatest “I Am” statement, revealing the depth of Jesus’ identity as the embodiment of all that the Messiah is. It is interesting to note that Sual was “on his way” to persecute those who were of “The Way.” He has gone 150 miles “Out of his way” when he meets “The Way” Jesus. He was in the darkness of religious zeal when he was “blinded” by “The Light” that is Jesus. Saul is about to meet the great “I Am” and he will never be the same.

Encounter on the Road:

Saul, enveloped in a blinding light, poses the question, “Who are you, Lord?” The response echoes through eternity: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” This declaration transcends a simple revelation of a name; it unveils the profound identity of Jesus and establishes the foundation for understanding His multifaceted role.

Divine Revelation:

The encounter is a divine revelation, a direct manifestation of the living Christ. “I am Jesus” emphasizes His continuous presence, authority, and sovereign lordship beyond the confines of mortality.

Messiahship and Lordship:

In saying, “I am Jesus,” Christ affirms His earthly name, proclaiming His Messianic identity and asserting His lordship over all creation. Saul’s acknowledgment of “Lord” recognizes Jesus’ authority over every aspect of life.

Personal Connection and Union:

The phrase “whom you are persecuting” establishes an intimate connection between Christ and His followers. Persecution of believers is equated with persecution of Jesus, underscoring a profound spiritual union.

Confrontation with Persecution:

Jesus’ words directly challenge Saul’s persecution. Persecuting followers of Jesus is tantamount to persecuting Jesus Himself, compelling Saul to confront the implications of his actions and motives.

Transformation and Commission:

This encounter becomes the catalyst for Saul’s transformative conversion. From a persecutor to a devoted follower, Saul receives a commission, shaping his destiny as an apostle to the Gentiles.

Redemption and Grace:

Despite Saul’s history of persecution, Jesus reveals Himself with grace, offering redemption. This pivotal moment exemplifies the boundless mercy and grace available through Christ.

The Name “Jesus” – Embodiment of Messiahship:

“I am Jesus” carries profound implications. The name encapsulates the entirety of the Messiah’s identity and purpose. The significance of this name goes beyond our comprehension, but we glimpse its potency through Saul’s encounter.

Profound Identity through “I Am” Statements

In the Gospel of John, Jesus utters powerful “I am” statements, each revealing a unique facet of His divine identity and purpose. The words “I am Jesus who you are persecuting” declare a profound truth by emphasizing Jesus’ unique role in salvation. Let’s explore each statement, interjecting New Testament scriptures for depth and providing practical life applications.

1. Bread of Life (John 6:35):

• Statement: “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”
• John 6:51 – “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.”
• Apply: Jesus, the Bread of Life, satisfies our spiritual hunger. Daily intake of His Word and presence brings enduring satisfaction.

2. Light of the World (John 8:12):

• Statement: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
• John 1:4-5 – “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
• Apply: Jesus, the Light, dispels darkness. Walk in His light for clarity and guidance through life’s uncertainties.

3. Door of the Sheep (John 10:7):

• Statement: “I am the door of the sheep.”
• 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.”
• Apply: Jesus is the entrance to salvation and abundant life. Embrace Him as the doorway to a fulfilling relationship with God.

4. Good Shepherd (John 10:11):

• Statement: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
• John 10:14-15 – “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
• Apply: Jesus, the Good Shepherd, sacrificially cares for and protects His flock. Find comfort in His watchful and loving care.

5. Resurrection and Life (John 11:25):

• Statement: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
• John 14:19 – “Because I live, you also will live.”
• Apply: In Jesus, find victory over death. Trust in Him for eternal life and hope beyond the grave.

6. The Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6):

• Statement: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
• Acts 4:12 – “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
• Apply: Jesus is the exclusive path to God. Align your life with His teachings and follow Him faithfully.

7. True Vine (John 15:1):

• Statement: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.”
• John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
• Apply: Jesus, the True Vine, sustains and empowers us. Stay connected to Him for spiritual vitality and fruitful living.

These “I am” statements, woven throughout the Gospel of John, reveal facets of Jesus’ identity and purpose. May our lives reflect the transformative power of embracing Jesus in each of these profound roles.

Every Knee Will Bow:

The name of Jesus carries such weight that every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). The encounter with Saul is a precursor to this ultimate acknowledgment. The power in Jesus’ name is immeasurable and Paul gave us 12 (13 if you include Hebrews) books of the New Testament. That’s over half of our New Testament.

Power in Jesus’ Name

1. Romans 10:13 (ESV): “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes the saving power of calling on the name of the Lord, equating it with the name of Jesus.
2. 1 Corinthians 1:2 (ESV): “To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours.”Paul acknowledges the collective identity of believers who call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, underlining the unifying power of His name.
3. 1 Corinthians 5:4 (ESV): “When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus.”Paul recognizes the unique authority and presence that comes when believers assemble in the name of the Lord Jesus.
4. Colossians 3:17 (ESV): “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”Paul encourages believers to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, highlighting the comprehensive impact of His name.
5. 2 Thessalonians 1:12 (ESV): “So that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”Paul expresses the desire for the name of the Lord Jesus to be glorified in the lives of believers.
6. Hebrews 1:4 (ESV): “Having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.”The Book of Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of Jesus, including the excellence of the name He has inherited.

These verses collectively emphasize the power, authority, and significance found in the name of Jesus, according to the writings of the apostle Paul and the Book of Hebrews. While we may not fully grasp all the implications for Saul at that moment on his way to Damascus, we recognize the supremacy of the name Jesus. It is a name above every name, signifying the sovereign authority and universal acclaim of the Messiah.

Life Application:

Understanding the depth of Jesus’ identity in the greatest “I Am” statement holds transformative implications for our lives.

Intimate Relationship:

Recognize the intimate connection between personal actions and their impact on Christ. Every interaction with fellow believers resonates in the spiritual realm.

Embrace Transformation:

Allow encounters with Jesus to bring transformative change. From persecutors of grace, may we become recipients and conduits of God’s boundless mercy.

Commissioned for Service:

Acknowledge your unique calling. In serving others, recognize that your service to fellow believers is service to Christ.

Redemption and Grace:

Embrace the grace revealed in Jesus’ encounter with Saul. Extend this grace to others, knowing that in Christ, redemption is offered to all.

Journey with the Great “I Am”:

In every aspect of life, journey with the Great “I Am.” Let Jesus be your bread, light, way, shepherd, and vine. In embracing Him, you embrace the fullness of the Messiah. “I am Jesus” reverberates through time as the greatest “I Am” statement. The encounter with Saul on the road to Damascus unfolds as a timeless revelation, encapsulating the richness of Jesus’ identity. May our lives reflect the profound reality embedded in this statement, for in embracing Jesus, we embrace the Great “I Am” who holds the power to transform, redeem, and ultimately receive universal aclaim.