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  I Am

  Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 30, 2022 (message contributor)

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  Scripture: John 6:35, John 8:12, John 10:11, John 11:25, John 14:6, John 15:1, John 10:7

  Denomination: Independent/Bible

Summary: In the book of John, Jesus says “I AM” seven times. Seven is the number of completeness, spiritual perfection.

I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE – John 6:35

• Fed thousands with a few fishes and bread

• Exodus 16:35 – children of Israel ate manna

• As in many cultures, bread is a staple of life

• Bread sustains physical

• Jesus sustains spiritual

I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD – John 8:12

• Jesus wanted followers to know they didn’t have to live in darkness (bondage)

• Jesus was speaking in the Temple part known as the treasury

• Lit by candles to represent pillar of fire which led Israel through the wilderness - Exodus 13:21

• Pillar of fire represents God’s presence, protection, guidance

• Jesus brings God’s presence, protection, guidance

I AM THE DOOR – John 10:7, 9

• Verse 7, Jesus is the door of the sheep,

• Sheep gathered in the sheepfold together at night for protection

• Verse 9, Jesus is the way to salvation from dangers of this world

• Pharisees rejected only access to God

• Jesus is the door open for passage and communication with God

I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD – John 10:11

• Hired men tend sheep for money

• Shepherd loves his flock

• Sheep know the voice of the shepherd

• Psalm 23 – the Lord is my Shepherd

• Shepherd gives life for flock

I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE – John 11:25

• Jesus has power over life and death

• Sister was in anguish after brother died

• Whoever believes in Jesus has a spiritual life death cannot touch

• Sister knew she would see her brother in the final resurrection

• John 11:43-44 – Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead

I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE – John 14:6

• Jesus states only one way to the Father

• Some may argue too narrow, actually wide enough for whole world, many will refuse it

• People should say thank you to God for providing the way

• John 8:32 – ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free

• Christ is the Way to the Father, the Truth fulfilling prophesies of a Savior, the Life by whose life-giving Spirit the dead in sin are raised

I AM THE TRUE VINE – John 15:1, 5

• Grapevine is prolific plant bears many grapes

• In OT, grape symbolized Israel fruitfulness

• Psalms 80:8 – thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt

• Isaiah 5:7 – for the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel

• In Passover meal, fruit of vine symbolized God’s goodness

• Christ is the vine; true followers are the branches which remain dependent on vine to bear fruit

• Understanding this helps believers to live fruitful lives