Understanding the Crucifixion of Jesus and the "I AM" Declaration

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ, occurring around 30 or 33 AD, is intricately linked to his claims of divinity, particularly through his use of the phrase "I AM," reflecting a significant theological assertion that Jewish authorities deemed blasphemous. This phrase, originating from Exodus 3:14, signifies God's self-identification and suggests timelessness and incomparability. Jesus’s assertions contributed to the charges of blasphemy against him, leading to his execution by Roman authorities. In contrasting related concepts, both "I AM that I AM" and René Descartes' "I think, therefore I am" explore existence and self-awareness, showcasing different philosophical traditions. While "I AM" affirms God's eternal existence, Descartes emphasizes thought as confirmation of human existence, illustrating a foundational interest in understanding being through consciousness. Additionally, the idea that divine intelligence exists within humans emphasizes a connection between theological and philosophical understandings. This viewpoint proposes that human intelligence reflects a shared divine quality, as noted by thinkers like Jacob Neusner and Thomas Aquinas, who suggest that engaging in rational thought mirrors the divine nature, further highlighting the intertwined nature of humanity and the divine in the pursuit of knowledge and existence.