I AM

John 6:35
 
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

IAM 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