A lesson from the Gospel of John
Seven times in the Gospel of John, Jesus began a saying with the words “I am” to tell people who He is. Each time He used something ordinary, like bread, a gate or a vine, so that anyone could understand.
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 (BSB)
Long before, God spoke to Moses from a burning bush and told him His name: I AM. When Jesus says “I am,” listen closely. He is telling us who He is.
Jesus answered, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.
John 6:35 (BSB)
Bread fills you up for a few hours, and then you are hungry again. Jesus said He fills a deeper hunger: our hunger for God. Whoever comes to Him is never left empty.
Talk about itWhat is your favorite kind of bread? What can make us feel hungry inside, even after a big meal?
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 (BSB)
In the dark it is hard to see where you are going, and it is easy to trip. A lamp shows the way. Jesus said that whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness, because He is the light.
Talk about itWhat helps you feel safe in the dark? How does Jesus show you the way to go?
I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture.
John 10:9 (BSB)
A walled town had one way in: through the gate. A sheepfold had one way in too. Jesus said He is the gate. Whoever comes in through Him is safe and finds everything they need, like sheep that find good pasture.
Talk about itWhy does a sheepfold need a gate? Who may come in through Jesus?
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
John 10:11 (BSB)
A hired helper might run away when a wolf comes. A good shepherd stays and protects his sheep, even if it costs him his life. Jesus did that for us on the cross.
Talk about itHow does a shepherd take care of his sheep? How does Jesus take care of you?
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11:25-26 (BSB)
Jesus said this to Martha after her brother Lazarus had died. Then He called Lazarus out of the tomb, alive! In winter a tree can look dead, but in spring it blossoms again. Because Jesus rose from the dead, everyone who believes in Him will live with Him forever.
Talk about itJesus asked Martha, “Do you believe this?” How would you answer Him?
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6 (BSB)
At a crossroads you have to choose which way to go. Jesus’ friend Thomas said they did not know the way. Jesus answered that He Himself is the way to God the Father. We do not reach God by being good enough. We come to the Father through Jesus.
Talk about itWhen have you been lost or unsure which way to go? What does it mean that Jesus is the way?
I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 (BSB)
A branch cut off from the vine dries up. A branch that stays joined to the vine grows leaves and fruit. Jesus said we are the branches. When we stay close to Him, by praying, reading His word and trusting Him, good things grow in our lives.
Talk about itWhat good “fruit” could grow in your life when you stay close to Jesus?