Throughout the Gospel of John (as well as the Synoptic Gospels), Jesus continually shows people that He is, in fact, the Creator God. Jesus performed many signs and miracles to show His close connection with the Father as well as to show His divinity. Generally, these songs were done in such a way as to prove to the Jews that He was God (because that was what they were asking for). However, Jesus didn't just perform signs and wonders. He also used the phrase “I AM” to show his divinity. To the modern reader, “I AM” appears simply as a phrase of explanation or possession. However, for the Jew, this phrase contains everything that God is. In the book of Exodus, God commanded Moses to tell the people that “I AM” sent him to free them from the slavery of the Egyptians. Therefore, they consider this simple phrase to be the identity of God. When Jesus says, “I AM,” he is directly stating that He is God (if not the same as God). Jesus said this phrase several times throughout the Gospel of John, but he didn't just stop at this simple phrase. Jesus added an ending (i.e. I AM the vine, I AM the door, etc.) in order to drive home a point to his audience. Whatever statement Jesus added at the end of “I AM,” he always indicated to his audience some aspect of his nature and ministry. One of the “I AM” statements found in the Gospel of John is “I AM.” the light of the world. » Unlike other “I AM” sayings, Jesus spoke this phrase twice (8:12; 9:5), but His use of “I AM” occurs in consecutive accounts. The first use of this expression takes place during the story of the adulterous woman. The story actually begins with an earlier chapter where the Feast of Tabernacles is first mentioned. The Feast of Tabernacles is a joyful celebration where ...... middle of paper ...... in darkness. God showed himself to Israel countless times, but he never sent them the one they were waiting for. However, God ultimately sent Jesus. Jesus was sent to be the light that shines in the darkness. Jesus would be the one to bring the spiritually blind into the wonderful light of grace. Jesus showed his divinity in part by physically healing the blind man and saving the adulterous woman, but he showed his full divinity when he saved the soul. Works Cited Douglas, J.D. and Merrill C. Tenney. Zondervan's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Grand Rapids: Zondervavn, 2011. Köstenberger, Andreas J. Zondervan's Illustrated Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002. Morris, Leon. Jesus is the Christ. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing, 1989. Cities, Elmer. The Gospel of John: Belief and Life. Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 2002.