Theme for this month: Jesus in the Four Gospels
Theme for this week: “Jesus in the Gospel of John”
December 15, 2021 (Wednesday)
When God called Moses, he asked, “Whom shall I say sent me?” and God replied, “I Am that I Am.” The gospel of John quotes Jesus as saying, “I am,” startling His hearers who knew that phrase as something that only God could say. Here are Seven Sayings of Jesus in the Gospel of John:
“I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51)
As bread sustains physical life, so Christ offers and sustains spiritual life.
“I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12)
To a world lost in darkness, Christ offers Himself as a guide.
“I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7,9)
Jesus protects His followers as shepherds protect their flocks from predators.
“I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)
Death is not the final word for those in Christ.
“I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11, 14)
Jesus is committed to caring and watching over those who are His.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
Jesus is the source of all truth and knowledge about God.
“I am the true vine.” (John 15:1, 5)
By attaching ourselves to Christ, we enable His life to flow in and through us.
Then we cannot help but bear fruit that will honor the Father.
Of the four gospels, John alone gives us all seven of the traditional “I am” statements.
Seems to me that there can be two more “I Am” statements:
“Before Abraham was, I AM.” John 8:58 NKJV
“I and My Father are one.” John 10:30 NKJV
Since John is also the author of the Book of Revelation, the “I Am” statements in that book might be included also.
1. “I am the Alpha and the Omega: who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” (Rev 1:8).
2. “I am the First and the Last the Living One” (Rev 1:17-18).
3. “I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds” (Rev 2:23).
4. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End” (Rev 21:6).
5. “I am the Root and the Offspring of David and the bright Morning Star” (Rev 22:16).
Without a doubt, John’s intention is to reveal to us Jesus’ knowledge of Himself as Divine. These statements of Jesus remind us of this awesome fact of our faith.
The popular hymn, “Mary, Did You Know?” by Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry has a verse that concludes with these words: “This sleeping child you’re holding Is the great I AM.”
MARY, DID YOU KNOW?
Words, Mark Lowry (1984)
Music,Buddy Greene (1991)
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?
The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you’re holding is the Great I Am.