Jesus claimed ultimate authority. The I Am sayings of Jesus were evidence of both the source and the power of his authority. There exists no source beyond the I Am. Jesus is eternally existent in the same realm as the Father. Jesus did not have to be born to exist. He is eternal. There is no source before him that can have any claim on him. Therefore, Jesus can authorize all things. He is the eternal source and power (authority) over all things.

With all this in mind, when we think of the fourth I Am saying of Jesus, it should send the blessing of God exploding into our hearts with joy. Jesus said, I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). The tricky combination of source and power is answered in Christ. And the good news is that when we give our lives to Jesus he becomes OUR Good Shepherd.