The Seven “I Am” Statements of Jesus - Part 2

-Introduction

-A couple of weeks ago, we focused on the book of John and, in particular, on three

 of the seven “I am” statements of Jesus - the Bread of heaven, the Light of the World,

 the Door.

-Again, John’s inclusion of these statements helps us to understand the proper identity of

 Jesus (John 20:28, 30-31).  Yet, these statements also help us to better understand the

 purpose of Jesus’ mission and the blessings offered to us through Him.

-In today’s lesson, we’ll attempt to address the remaining four “I am” statements.

-I Am the Good Shepherd - John 10:11

-context:  same as “the door” - In contrast to the Jewish leaders’ ill treatment of the blind

 man who had been healed (John 9), Jesus was revealing His compassionate, proper care

 and leadership of God’s people.  He is the Good Shepherd.

-Aren’t you glad that we have a Shepherd we can trust?!  When faced with incredible

 difficulties, our Shepherd did not flee.  Rather, He faced our enemy and gave His life for us.

-1 Pet. 2:25

            -1 Pet. 1:13-16 - We can’t do this on our own.

            -1 Pet. 1:18-19 - redeemed by the blood of Christ

            -1 Pet. 1:22-23 - When? - When we obeyed the truth being born again.

-We are under His leadership and care.

            -Isn’t it wonderful to have a Shepherd we can follow!

            -As the Bread of Life, He feeds us.

            -As His sheep, Satan - the lion who seeks to devour us (1 Pet. 5:8) - cannot harm us.

             That’s because we are under the protection of our Shepherd.  We must make sure that

             we don’t leave the flock.

                        -Notice, there is one flock (John 10:16).

-The Resurrection and the Life - John 11:25

-Context:  in the days following the death of Lazarus

-Notice the statements made by Martha - John 11:20-24.

            -It is difficult to get a good measurement of Martha’s faith.  On one hand we can see

             a great deal of faith reflected, yet we still see some need for additional growth and

             understanding.  (Can’t we always strive for more growth and understanding?)

            -In verse 21 she expresses great faith.  Yet, Jesus didn’t have to be on site to prevent

             Lazarus’ death.

            -Notice verse 22.  This seems to be the key here - “...whatever you ask from God, God

             will give you.”  Martha seemed to have the idea that Jesus - in order to carry out His

             wonderful works - was not able to do so alone but only through dependency upon the

             Father.  This would put Him in a category similar to all the previous prophets.

            -In verse 39, we still see her hesitancy.

-Jesus indicated and then demonstrated that He is the resurrection and the life.

            -Notice, when Jesus prayed to the Father, He didn’t request power.  He didn’t ask for

             God’s help.  He thanked God that others were present so that they could better

             understand His identity.

-The Way, the Truth and the Life - John 14:6

-context:  night of His betrayal - tensions were high - He has informed the apostles that He

                            will be departing.  He offers these words for assurance and comfort.

-Sin separates us from our heavenly Father (Isa. 59:1-2).  Jesus came to provide us with the

 way of reconciliation.  He was the embodiment of truth - in the life He lived, the deeds He

 performed, the words that He taught.  He is the avenue of spiritual life.

            -In Ephesians 2, Paul explains that we are dead in trespasses and sins but can be made

             alive together with Christ. 

            -Outside of Christ, there simply is no other way, no other valid truth, no other source of

             eternal life.  Here we see the exclusive and unique nature and mission of Jesus.

-The True Vine - John 15:1

-context:  still the night of His betrayal; Here, we learn about responsibility of duty.

-In order to have life and the ability to produce fruit, branches must be connected to the vine.

 We, as faithful children of God, have a connection to Jesus which we must maintain.

            -example of tomato plant

            -“...apart from me you can do nothing” (vs 5)

-As branches, we must bear fruit.  Branches that do not do so will be taken away (vs 1).

            -parable of the sower

            -comment from Coffman

-What a privilege it is to bear fruit for our God!  Let’s strive to bear the “much fruit” that

 Jesus speaks of here.

-Summary and Invitation

-As I said last week, each of these passages deserves much more attention and I hope that

 you’ll spend more time studying them. 

-Let’s be sure to follow our Shepherd.  Let’s follow the way that He has provided - the way

 which is in accordance with the truth of God’s word - the way that leads to life.  Let’s

 be a productive branch that bears much fruit for our Lord.

-What about you?  Are you in the Lord’s flock?  Are you a part of the vine? 

            -You will be if you Believe in Him (John 3:16, 8:24), confess your faith (Matt. 10:32,

             Rom 10:9-10), repent of sin (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30), be baptized into Christ for

             forgiveness (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38); Walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4, Eph. 4:22-24).

            -If you’ve previously obeyed the Gospel have you remained a part of the flock and vine?

             If not, confess your shortcomings, repent and pray for forgiveness (1 John 1:7-9, Acts

             8:22-24).

-Why would we ever want or attempt to go through this life without Jesus?