We have been looking at 15 things they did to Jesus. Jesus suffered false trials and accusations, abuse, humiliation, mocking, blasphemy, beatings, the cross, and taunting of His works. He endured this because of His love for the world. He endured out of obedience to the Father and dedication to doing His will. A sacrifice was needed for all the world, and Christ was the only one that could pay the price. Last week we talked about Christ’s mission. Not only did the people malign the mission of God, but while Christ was on the cross the scribes and chief priests hurled insults and taunted his works.
Read mark 15:31
When we look at the statement of the priests, they made clear the work of Christ w/o even realizing it. Jesus could not save Himself. He came to do the will of God the Father and it was God’s will that He taste death for every one (Heb. 2:9). Even though these leaders said these things in mockery, they were actually preaching the Gospel truth: He did not come to save Himself, He could not save Himself, He came to save the world. If he had saved himself, every person in this world would go to hell. There had to be a sacrifice to redeem the fallen world. Christ was that sacrifice.
This brings us to several “I am” statements of Christ. This gives us a glimpse into the work and person of Christ that they were taunting.
I. Christ is the Bread of Life Jn. 6:33-35
“For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” Those who come to Christ will never be hungry again!
Christ had just fed the 5 thousand. He had departed and went to the other side of the sea. There were people who were seeking Him out. They were seeking Jesus b/c they were desiring more free food. They didn’t care about what Jesus was teaching them, or showing them. They wanted physical nourishment.
There are so many that come to Christ looking for the physical nourishment. They seek the cure for their physical needs all the while missing what truly matters most- the spiritual. Bread sustains the physical life. The nourishment provided is only temporary and will pass away.
Jesus says that He is the Bread of Life. Christ offers food that sustains spiritual life. The nourishment and satisfaction He offers are permanent.
There are people who are searching for spiritual food. They are dying spiritually and looking for food to sustain them. Jesus offers the food needed. If there is something that is missing in your heart, reach for the food to fill the missing hole. He offers life eternal. He offers healing that only His bread can give.
II. Christ is the Good Shepherd Jn. 10:11, 14
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
Jesus was in the presence of Israel’s spiritual leaders. These leaders were not acceptable shepherds for the flock of Israel. They cared nothing for the people only for themselves. The Pharisees acted more like a hireling. The hireling would often run away and leave the flock unprotected. They cared nothing for the flock, only for themselves.
A true friend, someone who loves you, will be there for you no matter what. Jesus will be there always, no matter what. He never leaves. Acquaintances only care about themselves. They will be the one who leaves when times are hard, or you need a helping hand. Jesus will never leave. He cares for His sheep, His children. He does not leave them to wander alone. He goes and gets them and brings them home.
Jn. 15:13 “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
III. Christ is The Way, The Truth, and The Life Jn. 14:6.
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except by me.”
Jesus was talking with the disciples about Heaven. They were confused. They had questions. Jesus answers their questions in John 14.
The Way- Christ is the ONLY Way to Heaven. The world we live in is confused about how to get to heaven. Some believe the myth the you can be good and get to heaven. “There is none righteous, no not one.” Rms. 3:10 there is no one good enough to get to heaven.
Others think that if they go to church that will get them there. Eph 2:8-9- “For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. For it is the gift of God, not of works so that no man can boast.” You can go to church your entire lives and not go to heaven. It has to do with a relationship with Jesus Christ.
There is not another God- not allah, or budah, or crishna- God the Father is the one true God. “There is no other name under heaven by which men may be saved.”
The Truth- Christ is the source of all truth and the source for all knowledge about God. Jn. 8:32& 36 “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free...If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” Jesus is the truth- in Him is no lie no falsity. The Truth is that Christ and Christ alone is the way of salvation. When you accept Him, you will truly be free.
The Life- He offers to the spiritually dead the life of God. Jn. 3:16, Rms. 6:23. Jn. 11:25-26 “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.”
