There are so many things we could say about the Savior, but when He introduces Himself, he chooses to emphasize just a few essential truths. Today, I reviewed ten occasions in scripture where He says, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ”—three in the Book of Mormon and seven in the Doctrine and Covenants. I reviewed the words immediately afterward, looking for patterns in how He describes Himself. Here’s what I found:
Son of God
Most of the time, the Savior introduces Himself in relation to His Father. The Nephites and Lamanites heard His voice saying, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (3 Nephi 9:15; see also Doctrine and Covenants 6:21; 10:57; 11:28; 14:9; 52:44). Later, when He descended from heaven to minister to them, He emphasized His submission to the Father’s will:
I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.
3 Nephi 11:11
He seems to want us to see Him first and foremost as a Son, submissive to the will of His Father, rather than as a governor and leader. Perhaps that allows Him to set an example for us of the submissiveness we must achieve in order to overcome the natural man. (See Mosiah 3:19.)
Giver of Life and Light
During several of these introductions, the Savior emphasized His divinity with expressions like
- “I created the heavens and the earth” (3 Nephi 9:15; Doctrine and Covenants 14:9)
- “I am the light and the life of the world” (3 Nephi 9:18; 3 Nephi 11:11; Doctrine and Covenants 11:28)
- “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end” (3 Nephi 9:18)
He also affirms that His coming had been long foretold: “The scriptures concerning my coming are fulfilled” (3 Nephi 9:16), and “I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world” (3 Nephi 11:10).
He wants us to know that He is the source of light and life in this world, and that He can bring light and life into our lives.
Rejected by His Own
In some of these introductions, the Savior emphasized the irony of being rejected or ignored by the people He had come to save. “I came unto my own, and my own received me not,” He said (3 Nephi 9:16; Doctrine and Covenants 6:21; 10:57; 11:28). “I am the light which shineth in darkness,” He added, “and the darkness comprehendeth it not” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:21; 10:57; see also Doctrine and Covenants 14:9).
He wants us to understand that many people have failed to recognize His divinity and receive His light. We have to be open to it. We have to willingly receive it.
Willing to Save All Who Receive Him
In spite of being rejected, Jesus wants us to understand that He is willing and able to save us. “As many as have received me, to them have I given to become the sons of God,” He said to the Nephites and Lamanites (3 Nephi 9:17; Doctrine and Covenants 11:30).
And to the brother of Jared, He said, “In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters” (Ether 3:14).
He wants to help each of us enter into a deeper relationship with Him and with His Father. All of us are invited; none are excluded. He is the Savior of the entire world. (See Doctrine and Covenants 43:34; 52:44.)
Promised Return
On one occasion in the Doctrine and Covenants, His self-introduction is followed immediately by the promise of His imminent return. “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, and I come quickly,” He said, echoing the words of John the Revelator at the end of the Bible (Doctrine and Covenants 49:28; see also Revelation 22:20).
Jesus wants us to know that we will be with Him soon. He will return to the earth suddenly, and we should prepare for that day.
Conclusion
These truths are simple, but they are important enough that the Savior incorporates them into His introductions of Himself again and again. He is the Son of God, and we are invited to emulate His perfect submission to the Father. He is the Creator and the giver of life and light. Though many have rejected Him, He stands ready to save all who receive Him. And He will soon return to the earth.
Today, as I continue to celebrate Holy Week, I will pay particular attention to these truths—the ones He emphasizes when He speaks about who He is.
Beautifully stated Paul!! Thank you for being such an inspiration in my studies! You bless us in helping us draw closer to Him, the great I am!!
Thank you for the comment. I’m glad you are enjoying the blog. Have a great day!
Simple and yet profound! He is the way, the only way and name under heaven. Thank heavens for Him and His willingness to submit to ALL things! Knowing who He was and is helps remind us that we each have a part in the plan, yet without Him we are nothing!
Thank you for the comment! What a wonderful time of year to pay particular attention to the extraordinary gifts that the Savior has given to all of us. As you correctly highlight, we are nothing without Him, yet He generously gives us the opportunity to become more like Him by contributing to His work.