“God said to Moses, ‘I AM who I AM.  This is what you are to say to the Israelites, I AM has sent me to you.  Exodus 3:14

 Thanksgiving is the time of year when we consider all the blessings that we have received throughout the year.  We reflect on the good times as well as the hard times, but remember that God led us all the way.  The praise and thanksgiving go to Him!  I have been enjoying some verses in John about the great “I AM” of scripture.  Jesus shows us that He is all-sufficient to meet every need, from the moment of salvation to the end of our days.  He’s an “all the way home Savior!”  These statements are word pictures that reveal Jesus’ identity and work in a believer’s life.  They are found only in John’s gospel.  Let’s take a moment to savor some of the verses that describe this great I AM.

I AM the Bread of Life – John 6:35, 48 – Jesus stated, “I am the Bread of life,” those who come to Him satisfy their spiritual hunger and their thirst is quenched forever! Jesus repeats it three times in this chapter.  He is the Bread that sustains and nourishes us completely.  His bread gives everlasting life!

I AM the Light of the World – John 8:12, 9:5 – Jesus is the light of the world and apart from Him, there is no deliverance from the darkness of sin.  Jesus promised that anyone following Him would not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.  Believers are reflective lights reflecting the light of Jesus to a lost world.  We live to glorify the Father!

I AM the Gate (Door) for the sheep – John 10:7, 9 – Jesus is the Door.  Christianity is not a religion, it’s a Person, and that Person is Jesus Christ.  Jesus invites Jew or gentile to enter in and be saved.  We go in and out.  We go in by faith to worship, then we go out into the world to witness for Him.  We find “pasture” in God’s Word.

I AM the Good Shepherd – John 10:11, 14 – Jesus is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep.  In Jewish sacrifices, the sheep laid down their lives as an offering, but Jesus laid down His life for the sheep (His flock).  He knows His own and His own know Him!

I AM the Resurrection and the Life – John 11:25 – Jesus spoke these words to Martha at the tomb of Lazarus and  comfort to her grieving heart.  For the believer, death is only the beginning of their forever life with Christ.  “He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.”

I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life – John 14:6 – Jesus Christ is Himself the only way to heaven.  Salvation is in a person, accept that Person as your own, and you have salvation.  Christianity is not one of many ways to God, it’s the only way.  He is the Truth, it’s not found anywhere else. The truth is in Jesus!  He is the Life, the source of life, both spiritually on earth and eternally with Him in heaven.

I AM the Vine – John 15:1, 5 – Jesus states, He is the vine and believers are the branches.  He is the master gardener.  If we remain close to Him, we will bear fruit for God.  A vine has one great purpose, to bear fruit.  Apart from Him, we can do nothing. Oh that we would all pray, “Lord Jesus, live out your life in me!”

Your friend, Jean