I AM…
The book of John records 7 statements Jesus made. These statements were Jesus proclaiming Himself as the Messiah. Each had significance in the culture Jewish people would have understood of His proclamation. Two of those are found in chapter 10, below all are listed:
”Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.“ John 6:35
”Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”“ John 8:12
”So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.“ John 10:7
”“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep… I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me,“ John 10:11, 14
”Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,“ John 11:25
”Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.“ John 14:6
”“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.“ John 15:1
Several times people wanted to stone Jesus because He claimed what He claimed. There’s more proof Jesus lived than Julius Caesar ever did, but Julius Caesar’s life isn’t debated. Why? Because Jesus proclaimed He was God. And once we understand that He’s God we are challenged by what to do with it. If His proclamation of Him being the Messiah is true, then we must submit to His rule over our lives.
If you fully grasp Him as God, then what He says we must now do. Jesus said, ”“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15
Are you obeying His commands? Loving the stranger? Submitting your life to His leadership? Sacrificing your time, talent, and treasure? It’s good to take time to do a check up on our hearts and make sure we are following after Jesus in action, not just in word.
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.