Blog #27: 2025 Post: The Mystery of I AM

Come with me if you will and follow with your common sense this explication about I AM. Two Words – I & AM. The only two words you can say for yourself in your inward holy of holies that no one else can say. The only two words I can say for myself in my holy of holies that no one else can say. Why is this so? Can we solve this Mystery?

I am not a Biblical scholar or a historian. I also do not consider myself particularly versed in the Old or New Testaments.

I did have 16 years of Catholic education. The last four of those years were at a Jesuit university. I did take numerous theology courses. So, you see why I say surely not a scholar and barely versed, – just a student a long time ago.

Yet here we go: – In Exodus 3:14,15 God speaks to Moses. “Moses says they will ask what is his name. What shall I say? God says I AM That I AM. Then God says to say, I AM has sent me to you. … this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial for all generations.”

Then in John’s Gospel, the two words “I AM” are spoken by Jesus seven times:

• I AM the bread of life – John 6:35, 41, 48, 51.
• I AM the light of the world – John 8:12, John 9:5
• I AM the door – John 10:7, 9
• I AM the Good Shepherd – John 10:11, 14
• I AM the Resurrection and the Life – John 11:25
• I AM the way and the truth and the life – John 14:6
• I AM the true vine – John 15:1, 5

These texts are of enormous study by scholars. Scholars disagree about who wrote John’s Gospel, when it was written, where it was written, etc. My deduction from reading is that John the Evangelist – the Disciple Whom Jesus loved – wrote the Gospel either before 70 AD in or around Rome or after 70 AD on Patmos where he had been banished by the Romans. It is possible he was on Patmos with the mother of Jesus. It is believed by many that he wrote The Book of Revelation on Patmos.

A true Biblical scholar, Edward Reaugh Smith, has written excellent books about John, The Temple Sleep of the Rich Young Ruler: How Lazarus Became the Evangelist John; The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved: Unveiling the Author of John’s Gospel. I knew Ed well before he passed. I can remember the last robust hug he gave at a NYU conference that I was speaking at on Nelson Mandela. He was kind enough to travel to hear my talk and see others. Ed came to accept as a result of initial indications by Rudolph Steiner and his own remarkable research that John was Lazarus and that Jesus had initiated John/Lazarus in a three-day event that allowed John/Lazarus to see the world with clarity. Hence, it is surely the collective opinion of many scholars that John’s Gospel stands alone as a clear enunciation of higher truths. Lest I stray too far into controversy – I will stop re: John.

I only raise the John Gospel to point out that John, in addition to Moses quoting God in Exodus, makes seven references to the “I AM” to refer to the Divinity of Christ as the Son of God. I do find that remarkable and inspiring. Some may accuse me of being gullible. I would not plead guilty. I prefer to refer to myself as a “common sense searcher.”

In addition to the seven I AM’s in John’s Gospel, references by Jesus throughout the Gospel are numerous when he says, “I AM He,” or “Before Abraham was born, I AM.” Of course, I commend to you a thorough reading of John’s Gospel and the following books: From Jesus to Christ, Christianity as Mystical Fact and the Mysteries of Antiquity, The Gospel of St. John all by Rudolf Steiner.

But now for a really enjoyable and amazing leap, we go to one of my favorite poets, David Whyte.

David, in my view, as a poet brings down to us thoughts that at times may also have independent spiritual existence. Yes, I believe certain higher thoughts like John’s Gospel and certain modern-day poems and or verses as well as certain older poems are independent spiritual beings or realities that poets on occasion bring into existence.

So, what is that – “One word, one word only.” Whyte’s last line.

The great modern day Catholic Mystic, Thomas Merton tells us – That Word that Whyte references and The Word John refers to frequently to begin John’s Gospel is:

And then Rudolph Steiner helps us with a meditation or verse to use to come to know the “I AM” that is us:

And so, this short journey may possibly interest you to explore the Mystery of I AM. It is possible to do through an inner path that is ACTIVE, Disciplined, Practiced, Individualized and Flexible. In other words, a path that is yours that you create out of FREEDOM.

IN SUMMARY
God starts a conversation with Moses that continues to this day.
God speaks to Moses, “I AM THAT I AM.”
John quoting the Son of God “I AM” at least seven times.
D. Whyte One Word – One Word Only.
T. Merton tells us “I AM” is us and the name of the Almighty.
Steiner helps us live into the I AM as the Spirit in our hearts.

This “I AM” is for me Divinity, Eternity, and Infinity. It can be a spiritual center. Getting to know this “I AM” can bring joy, peace and contentment. And it can help to live at times out of a Holy Place and attempt to bring acts of love into the world.

I’m always pleased to follow up with anyone who reads these blog posts. A lot is written on the website and in prior blog posts on this path – website #13,14,19,21 blog posts 10,11,12. But sometimes, conversation is fruitful. You can contact me via my Contact page.

Blessings,
Bill