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The Catechism in Questions & Answers

158. What images did Jesus use to describe Himself, and what do they mean?

The gospel of John contains statements by Jesus which can be described as “images”. Through them, Jesus clearly describes His nature. Seven such striking statements of Jesus begin with the words “I am”. In them He speaks of Himself metaphorically as the “bread of life” (John 6: 35), the “light of the world” (John 8: 12), the “door” to salvation (John 10: 9), the “good shepherd” (John 10: 11), and as the “vine” (John 15: 5). Beyond that, Jesus Christ describes Himself as the “resurrection” (John 11: 25), and as the “way”, the “truth”, and the “life” (John 14: 6). All of this means that Jesus alone can grant access to God, the Father and that Jesus is the source of salvation.