Identity • Purpose • Community
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No… Continue reading “I AM” the True Vine
"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." (John 14:6-7 NIV). This section of John's gospel opens and closes with "Do not let your hearts be troubled."… Continue reading “I AM” the Way and the Truth and the Life
This "I AM" statement comes after the miracle of raising Lazarus from the tomb. The resurrection of Lazarus is a one-off situation, and only John records it. The "I AM" statement about the resurrection and life and the other miracles points us to knowing a different aspect of Jesus than we have before. The Greek… Continue reading “I AM” the Resurrection and the Life
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then, the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a… Continue reading “I AM” the Good Shepherd
"Therefore, Jesus said again, "Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture." (John 10:7-9 NIV). This "I AM" statement… Continue reading “I AM” the Gate
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ ” (John 8:12 NIV). It is interesting to note what happened before Jesus made this statement (read verses 1-11). It was dawn. He was in the temple… Continue reading “I AM” The Light of the World.