Exodus 3: The burning bush, I AM

Exodus 3 is the most theologically loaded call narrative in Scripture. God's name is revealed here — the name behind every later "I am" in John's gospel.

Historical context

Forty years after fleeing Egypt, Moses is shepherding Jethro's flock in Midian. The burning bush draws him aside. God speaks — "I have surely seen the affliction of my people" — and commissions Moses for a deliverance Moses tries five times to refuse. The chapter ends with the divine name and the promise of presence.

Three sermon arc options

• A bush, a name, a mission. Walk the three movements: the bush (1-6), the commission (7-12), the name and the plan (13-22). The name "I AM" sits at the heart.
• Moses' five objections. Exodus 3-4. Who am I? Who are you? What if they don't believe? I'm not eloquent. Send someone else. God answers each. Apply: God's call doesn't require unobjectionable confidence.
• I AM who I AM. 3:13-15 alone. God's self-revelation. The name is also the answer to Moses' question. Walk through the theological implications.

Original language notes

Ehyeh asher ehyeh ("I am who I am" / "I will be who I will be," v. 14) — both senses are possible; Hebrew imperfect verb. YHWH ("the LORD," v. 15) — from the verb "to be." The covenant name God is now revealing.

Five illustration hooks

• A bush that burned but was not consumed — the divine presence does not destroy what it inhabits.
• A "Who am I?" answered with "I will be with you" — God's response to inadequacy isn't resume-building; it's presence.
• A name above all names whose first revelation is "I am."
• Five objections answered, then one bare command — eventually God runs out of patience for the dance.
• A pastor's call has the same shape — encounter, commission, objection, equipping, presence.

Cross-references

• Acts 7:30-34 — Stephen's sermon retelling.
• John 8:58 — "Before Abraham was, I AM." Jesus claims the Exodus name.
• Hebrews 11:24-27 — Moses' faith in the hall of faith.
• Revelation 1:8 — "I am the Alpha and Omega."

Pastoral application

For pastors discerning a call, this passage is foundational. The five objections are still the five objections. God's response is still the same.