I Am the Bread of Life. John 6:35; I Am the Light of the World. John 8:12; I Am the Gate. John 10:9; I Am the Good Shepherd. John 10:11; I Am the Resurrection and the Life. John 11:25-26; I Am the Way, and the Truth and the Life. John 14:6; I Am the True Vine. John 15:1
Jesus’s seven I AM’s statement. Many times we need to go back to a truth ( more truths than one) and have to study, meditate on it numerous times before it sticks.
Let’s review all of these I AM’s.
Bread Of Life
Apart from Jesus, there is no true satisfaction. There are two words for the word life in the bible – bios, and zoe. Bios mean breath in your lungs or physical life. Zoe means possessed with vitality looking to the fullness of life. God is our source of life through His provision. Thankfulness opens the door to what God has in store for His people. We need to hush our pride and not hush our humility. The House of Bread was where the Bread of Life was born. There is a difference in coming to Jesus for bread and because He is Bread.
Light Of The World
A little gift in the hands of a big God can change the world. Jesus fulfills and surpasses every image and symbol of light that came before Him. Jesus said that once we have the light we will not walk in darkness. He did not say that the darkness will be taken away though. Jesus is not trying to shame you, He is exposing the sin that has chains around you. The Word of God is our handbook for living. Jesus is the One who can illuminate the dark places for us.
Good Shepherd
Sheep are defenseless, prone to go astray, poor eyesight, follow other sheep without thinking, and are stubborn. We are a lot like sheep. Confessions are key to a deeper connection or even reconnection with God. James 4:8 says, come near to me and I will come near to you. The enemy wants to isolate us.
Sheep Gate
We need to know the voice of God. The keys to hearing God’s voice are Scripture, peace of God, Godly Counsel, listen and obey. The Barriers to hearing God’s voice are not setting aside time, pride, unconfessed sin, bitterness and resentment, and fear. Keep trusting, Keep praying, and keep watching for Him. He is everything we need and Jesus is totally capable of filling the gaps of our wants. Stay alert. Jesus is not the alternative or a better way to the Father. He is the only way to the Father. Jesus is not only the Good Shepherd, He is willing to lay down His life for the sheep. He is asking us to feed the lambs, take care of the sheep, and to feed the sheep. Our shepherd knows our hearts.
Resurrection
God is not fickle, forgetful, or fragile in any way. He doesn’t make mistakes. He purposes the gaps. Jesus is intentional with each of us. Jesus had a purpose. Even if our circumstances are not good, His purpose always is. Will we trust Jesus? In eternity, death doesn’t win, Jesus does.
The Life and the Way, The Truth, and the Life
Jesus wants us to come to him with our questions and concerns. Jesus is the only way to eternal life. The enemy twists the truth. God’s truth is meant to be protective, not restrictive. He came to bring everlasting victory. God’s ways are sometimes the opposite of what we want and expect.
True Vine
We are good enough. We cannot do what God has called us to do without Him. Without Jesus, we are selfish, self-focused, and all about our fruit bringing glory to ourselves. With Jesus, we are better than good enough because He steps in and fulfills what we cannot do on our own. We are not the true vine, Jesus is. Jesus is into the slower rhythms of life – the abiding, delighting, and dwelling. God wants us to bear more fruit. He wants us to abide in him. He wants a deep connection with us. We are to love all and need the Holy Spirit’s help.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Jesus is so much to us and for us. He is the only way to you Father, and thank you for your truths. I pray that we will mediate more on your truths.
In Jesus Name
Amen
