What does it mean when Jesus says He is the life?

The declaration 'I am the life' indicates that true spiritual life comes solely from Him. Our human efforts or moral standing are inadequate to gain acceptance before God. Christ's sinless life is the standard, and only through being united with Him do we have life that is acceptable to God. No one can come to the Father with their own works; they must have Christ's righteousness as their own. This truth emphasizes the necessity of being in Christ for true salvation and communion with God.