Sermons on Exodus 3:13-14

Exodus 3:13-14 Interpretation:

Embracing Death: Finding Beauty in Trials Through Faith (WM Ministries: Building a Foundation of Truth) offers a unique interpretation of Exodus 3:13-14 by emphasizing the relational and existential aspect of God's self-revelation as "I am who I am." The sermon explores the Hebrew sense of the phrase, suggesting that God is asking, "What do you need me to be to you?" and "I will be what I will be," making God's name a dynamic, personal promise rather than a static label. The preacher draws out the idea that God’s self-identification is not just about metaphysical existence but about God’s willingness to be whatever his people need in their circumstances—healer, peace, provider, etc.—if they trust him. This is further deepened by the analogy of trust as lying face down in helpless submission, like a servant before a master or a defeated soldier before a conqueror, which is tied back to the Hebrew understanding of trust and surrender.

The Transformational Power of God's Name (The Bridge Church - Cleveland Georgia) provides a detailed linguistic and cultural analysis of the Hebrew terms in Exodus 3:13-14, focusing on the tetragrammaton (YHWH) and its connection to the verb "to be." The sermon explains that God's name is not just a label but the very sound of breath, suggesting that every act of breathing is an unconscious invocation of God's name. The preacher also draws a parallel between the Hebrew "I am" (ehyeh asher ehyeh) and the name YHWH, showing how the characters overlap and how the name is unpronounceable, emphasizing God's mystery and immanence. The analogy of breathing is used to illustrate the intimacy and omnipresence of God, making the act of prayer and existence itself a participation in God's name. The sermon also connects the name of Jesus (Yahoshua/Yeshua) to YHWH, showing that Jesus carries the divine name and mission ("the Lord saves").

Trusting God: Breaking the Control Cycle (CBC Marietta) interprets Exodus 3:13-14 as a pivotal moment where God reveals his sufficiency and self-existence to Moses, countering Moses's sense of inadequacy and the human tendency to control. The sermon highlights that God's response, "I am who I am," is not a pithy reassurance of Moses's adequacy but a declaration that God alone is sufficient, and Moses (and by extension, all believers) must trust in God's sufficiency rather than their own. The preacher frames this as a lesson in humility and trust, where the revelation of God's name is meant to break the cycle of self-reliance and control.

Jesus: The Source of True Freedom and Light (David Guzik) offers a linguistic and theological analysis of Jesus's use of "I am" in John 8, directly linking it to Exodus 3:13-14. The sermon notes the Greek phrase "ego eimi" as a direct echo of the Septuagint translation of God's self-revelation to Moses, and argues that Jesus's claim is a clear, unmistakable assertion of divinity. The preacher distinguishes this as the most direct claim to deity in the Gospels, emphasizing that Jesus is not merely a good teacher but the eternal God of the Old Testament, and that this claim demands a response.

The Transformational Power of God's Name (The Bridge Church - Cleveland Georgia) also uniquely explores the plural form "Elohim" and its use in Genesis and Exodus, explaining how the Hebrew writers used a plural word in a singular way to emphasize the uniqueness and supremacy of Israel's God over other gods, and how this sets the stage for the personal revelation of YHWH in Exodus 3.

The Sacred Significance of God's Name (Alistair Begg) offers a detailed linguistic and theological interpretation of Exodus 3:13-14, focusing on the Hebrew name YHWH (Yahweh) and its unpronounceable nature, emphasizing that God’s self-revelation as “I am who I am” expresses his self-existence, self-sufficiency, and sovereignty. Begg notes that the use of the verb “to be” as God’s name is unique, signifying that God is utterly unlike any other being—he is not created, not dependent, and not defined by anything outside himself. The sermon highlights the bewildering and immense grandeur of this name, explaining that even the term “Elohim” (used in Genesis 1) cannot capture the fullness of God’s being, and that “I am” is a statement of God’s essential, unchanging, and eternal nature. This interpretation is distinguished by its focus on the linguistic roots and the theological implications of the Hebrew, as well as its connection to later Christological claims in the New Testament.

Embracing God as Father: The Heart of Prayer (Alistair Begg) interprets Exodus 3:13-14 by emphasizing the contrast between God’s name and all other so-called gods, using the analogy that idols should be called “I am not,” while only the true God can be called “I am.” Begg explains that the use of the verb “to be” as God’s name points to his perfection, eternity, and limitless power, and that this name distinguishes God from all created things. The sermon also notes the Jewish tradition of writing YHWH without vowels to avoid pronouncing the name, underlining its sacredness. This interpretation is unique in its use of the “I am not” analogy and its application to the futility of idolatry.

Embracing Jesus: The Good Shepherd's Call to Unity (Suamico United Methodist Church) interprets Exodus 3:13-14 by focusing on the personal and existential nature of God’s name “I am who I am,” explaining that it means “I am all that is, I am all existence, I am being itself.” The sermon draws a direct line from the burning bush to Jesus’ “I am” statements in John, arguing that Jesus’ use of “I am” is a claim to divinity and a direct reference to the divine name revealed to Moses. The preacher also explains the Jewish tradition of not pronouncing YHWH and the use of “LORD” in small caps in English Bibles, making the connection between the Old Testament revelation and the New Testament Christology. This interpretation is notable for its existential and ontological focus, as well as its clear explanation of the continuity between Exodus and the Gospel of John.

The Power and Significance of Jesus's Name (Desiring God) interprets Exodus 3:13-14 as a foundational moment where God reveals not just a label but his very essence through the name "I AM WHO I AM." The sermon highlights the Hebrew root of Yahweh, connecting it directly to the phrase "I am," and emphasizes that every time the name Yahweh is used, it is meant to remind the hearer of God's absolute, unchanging, and self-existent nature—"no beginning, no ending, no becoming, no changing." The sermon uniquely stresses that the name is not a mere identifier but a declaration of God's essence and reliability, and that this concept is later transferred to Jesus in the New Testament, where Jesus's name carries the same weight and essence as Yahweh. The analogy of names as essential for personal and public communication is used to illustrate why God gives himself a name with such profound meaning, and why the name is meant to be publicly proclaimed and globally known.

Discovering the Author's Intent in Biblical Texts (Desiring God) interprets Exodus 3:13-14 as a declaration of God's absolute reality and objective existence. The sermon uses the passage to argue that when God says "I AM WHO I AM," he is asserting himself as the most fundamental reality in the universe, the ground of all existence. This interpretation is used to support a broader theological point about the nature of reality and meaning: that God is not a projection of human thought but the source of all objective reality, and that his self-revelation in Exodus 3:13-14 is the foundation for a biblical worldview that recognizes truth and meaning as existing outside of human subjectivity.

Exodus 3:13-14 Theological Themes:

Embracing Death: Finding Beauty in Trials Through Faith (WM Ministries: Building a Foundation of Truth) introduces the theme that God's name is not merely a title but an invitation to relationship and trust, where God becomes whatever his people need in their specific circumstances. The sermon stresses that the reality of God must supersede the reality of one's circumstances, and that faith is not about knowing God's name as a formula but about embodying trust in the living, present God who is always "I am" for his people.

The Transformational Power of God's Name (The Bridge Church - Cleveland Georgia) presents the theme that God's name is both infinite and intimate: YHWH is the transcendent creator and the breath within every living being. The sermon develops the idea that God's name is woven into the fabric of existence and that every breath is a participation in God's presence, making prayer and worship acts of existential connection rather than mere ritual. The preacher also explores the transformational (not transactional) power of God's name, arguing that knowing God's name changes one's identity and purpose, not just one's circumstances.

Trusting God: Breaking the Control Cycle (CBC Marietta) adds the theme that the revelation of God's name as "I am" is a call to relinquish control and trust in God's sufficiency. The sermon frames trust as the antidote to the "control cycle" of self-reliance, and teaches that true freedom and transformation come from acknowledging God's sufficiency and laying down one's own attempts to be the solution.

Jesus: The Source of True Freedom and Light (David Guzik) highlights the theme that Jesus's use of "I am" is a direct claim to deity, and that this claim is the foundation for true spiritual freedom. The sermon argues that if Jesus is the "I am" of Exodus, then he is the ultimate authority and source of life, and that faith in him is not optional but essential for true liberation from sin and self.

The Sacred Significance of God's Name (Alistair Begg) introduces the theme that God’s name is not merely a label but a revelation of his character and attributes—his self-existence, sovereignty, and sufficiency. The sermon also explores the idea that the name “I am” is foundational for understanding God’s uniqueness and the seriousness of misusing his name, as reflected in the third commandment. This theme is developed with reference to the exclusivity of God as savior (Isaiah 43) and the implications for worship and reverence.

Embracing God as Father: The Heart of Prayer (Alistair Begg) adds the theme that the name “I am” is a polemic against idolatry, as only the true God can claim self-existence and self-sufficiency, while all idols are “I am not.” This theme is applied to the necessity of reverence in worship and the danger of trivializing or misusing God’s name in speech and religious practice.

Embracing Jesus: The Good Shepherd's Call to Unity (Suamico United Methodist Church) presents the theme that God’s self-identification as “I am” is not just a statement of existence but an invitation to relationship, and that Jesus’ “I am” statements are a radical claim to be the same God who spoke to Moses. The sermon also introduces the idea that the divine “I am” encompasses all being and all existence, making God both transcendent and immanent, and that this has implications for inclusion and unity among God’s people.

The Power and Significance of Jesus's Name (Desiring God) presents the theme that God's name is inseparable from his essence, and that the act of naming is a divine act that communicates identity, purpose, and public recognition. The sermon adds a fresh angle by connecting the Old Testament revelation of God's name to the New Testament elevation of Jesus's name, arguing that the fame and public proclamation of Jesus's name is a direct continuation of the Old Testament emphasis on Yahweh's name. The sermon also introduces the idea that the use of God's name is meant to foster global, public acknowledgment and worship, not private or hidden devotion.

Discovering the Author's Intent in Biblical Texts (Desiring God) introduces the theological theme that God's self-identification as "I AM" is the bedrock of objective reality and meaning. The sermon uniquely applies this to the interpretation of Scripture, arguing that just as God is objectively real and independent of human perception, so too is the meaning of biblical texts—rooted in the author's (and ultimately God's) intention, not in the reader's subjective interpretation. This theme is developed as a counterpoint to modern relativism, emphasizing that true freedom and knowledge come from submitting to God's revealed reality rather than inventing one's own.

Exodus 3:13-14 Historical and Contextual Insights:

The Transformational Power of God's Name (The Bridge Church - Cleveland Georgia) provides extensive historical and linguistic context for the use of "Elohim" and "YHWH" in the Hebrew Bible. The sermon explains that "Elohim" is a Canaanite word for gods, used in plural form but treated as singular by the Hebrew writers to emphasize monotheism. The preacher also discusses the cultural context of the Epic of Gilgamesh and other ancient Near Eastern creation myths, showing how the Hebrew account both borrows from and radically departs from these traditions by asserting the uniqueness and relational nature of Israel's God. The sermon further explains the cultural practice of not pronouncing the divine name, substituting "Adonai" (Lord) instead, and how this shaped Jewish and Christian liturgical traditions.

Embracing Death: Finding Beauty in Trials Through Faith (WM Ministries: Building a Foundation of Truth) offers a brief historical note on the Old Testament practice of road-building for kings, using it as an analogy for God "making straight" the paths of his people, and connects this to the broader theme of God preparing the way for his people in the wilderness, as seen in the Exodus narrative.

The Sacred Significance of God's Name (Alistair Begg) provides historical context by explaining the Jewish practice of pronouncing the divine name only once a year by the high priest on Yom Kippur, and the use of vowels to make YHWH pronounceable as “Yahweh.” The sermon also notes the cultural significance of names in ancient societies, particularly in the African and Asian contexts, and how this informs the biblical understanding of God’s name as precious and powerful.

Embracing God as Father: The Heart of Prayer (Alistair Begg) offers historical insight into the Jewish tradition of writing YHWH without vowels to avoid pronouncing the name, and the reverence with which the name was treated in the Old Testament period. The sermon also references the broader ancient Near Eastern context, where names were closely tied to identity and essence, contrasting this with modern Western practices.

Embracing Jesus: The Good Shepherd's Call to Unity (Suamico United Methodist Church) explains the Jewish tradition of not pronouncing YHWH and the use of “LORD” in small caps in English translations, as well as the development of the alternative name “Adonai” to avoid using the most sacred name. The sermon also briefly touches on the polytheistic context of Egypt, where Moses would have needed to specify which god had sent him.

The Power and Significance of Jesus's Name (Desiring God) provides historical context by explaining the significance of names in the ancient world, particularly in the Old Testament. The sermon notes that God often changed people's names to reflect their new identity or destiny (e.g., Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel), and that this practice underscores the importance of names as carriers of essence and purpose. The sermon also explains that the name Yahweh, used over 600 times in the Old Testament and often rendered as LORD in English translations, is built on the Hebrew phrase "I am," and that this was a radical self-revelation in a polytheistic context where gods were often defined by their functions or domains rather than by their essence.

Exodus 3:13-14 Cross-References in the Bible:

Embracing Death: Finding Beauty in Trials Through Faith (WM Ministries: Building a Foundation of Truth) cross-references Proverbs 3:5-6 ("Trust in the Lord with all your heart...") to expand on the meaning of trust in the context of God's self-revelation as "I am." The sermon also references the story of Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3) and connects it to the broader biblical theme of God as a covenant-keeping God, as well as to the wisdom literature's emphasis on knowing and acknowledging God (citing David's counsel to Solomon).

The Transformational Power of God's Name (The Bridge Church - Cleveland Georgia) cross-references Genesis 1-2 to show the transition from "Elohim" to "YHWH Elohim" and the shift from a generic to a personal, covenantal relationship. The sermon also references John 17, where Jesus prays to the Father about the power of God's name, and connects this to the Hebrew roots of Jesus's name (Yahoshua/Yeshua). Additionally, the preacher cites Psalm 150 ("Let everything that has breath praise the Lord") to reinforce the idea that God's name is the breath of life, and Acts and the Gospels to show the power of Jesus's name in miracles and salvation.

Trusting God: Breaking the Control Cycle (CBC Marietta) references Exodus 2-4 to trace Moses's journey from self-reliance to trust in God's sufficiency, and draws a typological connection to Jesus as the "better Moses" and the ultimate "I am" who delivers from sin and death. The sermon also references Andrew Murray's book "Humility" to reinforce the biblical principle of self-emptying before God.

Jesus: The Source of True Freedom and Light (David Guzik) cross-references John 8:24, 28, and 58 to show the repeated use of "I am" by Jesus, and links this to Exodus 3:13-14 as the background for Jesus's claim. The sermon also references Genesis and the Old Testament law to argue that Jesus's authority as "I am" validates the entire biblical revelation.

The Sacred Significance of God's Name (Alistair Begg) cross-references Exodus 33 and 34, where God proclaims his name to Moses and reveals his character as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love. The sermon also references Genesis 1:1 (Elohim as creator), Isaiah 43:10-11 (Yahweh as the only savior), Psalm 20:7 (trusting in the name of the Lord), and John 17:6 (Jesus manifesting God’s name). These references are used to show the continuity of God’s self-revelation and the centrality of his name throughout Scripture.

Embracing God as Father: The Heart of Prayer (Alistair Begg) references Judges 13 (the angel’s name is “beyond understanding”), Genesis 1 (Elohim as creator), and John 8:58 (Jesus’ “before Abraham was, I am” statement). The sermon also alludes to various Old Testament passages where God’s name is revealed in different forms (e.g., Yahweh Jireh, El Elyon) and connects these to the third commandment (Exodus 20:7) and the Lord’s Prayer (“hallowed be your name”).

Embracing Jesus: The Good Shepherd's Call to Unity (Suamico United Methodist Church) references John 8:58 (Jesus’ claim “before Abraham was, I am”), John 14:8-9 (Jesus’ unity with the Father), and the various “I am” statements in John (bread of life, light of the world, good shepherd, etc.). The sermon also alludes to the story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus 3, and briefly mentions the possibility of God’s relationship with other peoples (e.g., Egyptians, Aztecs) based on other Old Testament passages.

The Power and Significance of Jesus's Name (Desiring God) references several biblical passages to expand on the meaning of Exodus 3:13-14. Genesis 17:5 (Abram to Abraham), Genesis 17:15 (Sarai to Sarah), and Genesis 32:28 (Jacob to Israel) are cited to show the pattern of God giving names that reflect identity and destiny. Matthew 1:21 ("You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins"), Matthew 1:23 ("Emmanuel, God with us"), and Matthew 16:16 ("You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God") are used to show how Jesus's name carries divine significance. Philippians 2:10 and Isaiah 45:23 are referenced to argue that Jesus's name replaces Yahweh's in the New Testament, signifying that Jesus is Yahweh. Romans 1:5, 9:17, 15:19, and 10:13 are cited to emphasize the global proclamation and saving power of God's name. Colossians 3:17 is used to illustrate the interchangeability of the name and the person of Jesus.

Discovering the Author's Intent in Biblical Texts (Desiring God) cross-references Hebrews 1:1-3 to show that the God who revealed himself as "I AM" in Exodus 3:13-14 is the same God who created and upholds the universe through his Son, Jesus. Psalm 14:1 is cited to contrast the biblical worldview of objective reality with the denial of God. Ephesians 3:3-4 is referenced to highlight the concept of divine revelation and the possibility of perceiving the author's intention through reading Scripture.

Exodus 3:13-14 Christian References outside the Bible:

Jesus: The Source of True Freedom and Light (David Guzik) explicitly references several biblical scholars and commentators—Marcus Dods, A. Merrill Tenny, F.F. Bruce, and William Barclay—when discussing the significance of Jesus's use of "I am" in John 8:58. Dods is quoted as saying, "Before Abraham came into existence, I am eternally existent; no stronger affirmation of preexistence occurs." Tenny notes that "I am" was recognized by the Jews as a title of deity. F.F. Bruce states that if Jesus's claim was not well-founded, it was "openly blasphemous," and Barclay calls this passage the clearest, most direct claim to deity in the Gospels, saying, "All the previous lightning flashes pale into significance before the blaze of this passage." These references are used to support the argument that Jesus's claim is unique and unmistakable in its assertion of divinity.

Embracing God as Father: The Heart of Prayer (Alistair Begg) explicitly references the Scottish Shorter Catechism (“the chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever”) as a theological summary of the purpose of worship and the hallowing of God’s name. This reference is used to support the idea that true worship is focused on God’s glory rather than personal preference.

Exodus 3:13-14 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Embracing Death: Finding Beauty in Trials Through Faith (WM Ministries: Building a Foundation of Truth) uses the analogy of a defeated soldier lying face down before a conquering general, and a servant waiting for the master's command, to illustrate the Hebrew concept of trust as total surrender and helplessness before God. The sermon also references the animal kingdom's instinctive submission to authority as a metaphor for human trust in God.

The Transformational Power of God's Name (The Bridge Church - Cleveland Georgia) draws on several secular and popular culture references to illustrate the power and perception of names: the phrase "open sesame" from the Arabic tale "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" is used as an analogy for the magical or transactional use of God's name; "abracadabra" is discussed for its possible Hebrew/Arabic roots meaning "as I speak, I create" or "in the name of the blessed one"; and the "Mufasa" scene from The Lion King is invoked to humorously parallel the idea of a name that inspires awe and fear. The sermon also references Viktor Frankl, the Austrian neurologist, psychologist, and Holocaust survivor, quoting his statement, "Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by a lack of meaning and purpose," to reinforce the idea that God's creative purpose gives life meaning. The preacher further discusses yoga and Eastern meditation practices, contrasting their focus on detachment and emptying with the Hebrew practice of breathing as a way to fill oneself with God's presence, thus using contemporary wellness culture as a foil for biblical spirituality.

Embracing God as Father: The Heart of Prayer (Alistair Begg) uses several secular illustrations to illuminate the significance of names and reverence. He recounts a story about a Maasai man in Tanzania who rebukes an American for using his name too casually, saying, “Do not throw my name about. My name is important. My name is me. My name is for my friends,” to illustrate the sacredness of names in some cultures. Begg also references the biography of soccer manager Alex Ferguson, who describes the awe and respect he felt when addressed by the legendary manager Jock Stein, and how Ferguson insisted on being called “Mr. Ferguson” by a young player, highlighting the importance of respect for names and authority. These stories are used to draw a parallel to the reverence due to God’s name and the breakdown of respect in modern Western culture.

Embracing Jesus: The Good Shepherd's Call to Unity (Suamico United Methodist Church) employs sports metaphors from popular culture, comparing Jesus’ call to his followers to the NFL draft and March Madness basketball tournaments. The preacher likens Jesus to a head coach who drafts every believer onto his team, emphasizing that there is “no rejection in Jesus’ draft” and that each person has a unique role to play. The sermon also references the experience of Gen Z with repeated rejection in college admissions, job applications, and dating apps, using this as a contemporary analogy for the inclusivity and acceptance found in Jesus as the Good Shepherd. These illustrations serve to make the theological point of God’s inclusive call and the assurance of belonging in Christ accessible to a modern audience.

Discovering the Author's Intent in Biblical Texts (Desiring God) uses a detailed reference to a U.S. Supreme Court case, Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), specifically quoting Justice Anthony Kennedy's statement: "At the heart of liberty is the right to define one's own concept of existence, meaning, of the universe, and of the mystery of human life." The sermon contrasts this secular worldview—which asserts that individuals can define reality and meaning for themselves—with the biblical worldview rooted in Exodus 3:13-14, where God alone defines reality as the absolute "I AM." This legal and philosophical example is used to illustrate the cultural shift toward subjective meaning and to highlight the countercultural claim of God's objective existence and authority.