As we continue our exploration of the book of John, let’s consider where we have been. Our starting point: John wants us to know that we are the beloved of God.
Next, we delved into the Creation story with John in the prologue (John 1:1-18). In these verses we were oriented towards Jesus and our beloved identity.
Our next series is called “Our Beloved Is” and we will be discovering who Jesus says that he is.
In the book of John, Jesus uses the phrase, “I am” nine times:
- (I am he) talking with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:26)
- I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35)
- I am the Light of the World (John 8:12)
- Before Abraham was born, I am (John 8:58)
- I am the Gate for the Sheep (John 10:7)
- I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11)
- I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
- I am the Way the truth and the life (John 14:6)
- I am the true vine (John 15:1,5)
Each usage of the phrase “I am” is an unfolding of Jesus’ identity. The Samaritan woman speaks about the Messiah who is coming, Jesus responds to her, “I am He.” After Jesus has fed the 5,000 He declares “I am the Bread of Life.” To those listening, they would have immediately thought of the manna provided by God to the Hebrews wandering in the wilderness.
The statements are discovery points. Statements that invite us to see and know Jesus more intimately. Traditionally only seven phrases are seen as his “I Am” statements, we have expanded the list to include two other passages: John 4:26 and 8:58. In these additional passages Jesus uses the phrase I AM in reference to a point being made in the larger context of the passage. These two usages also speak to his Messiahship.
Imagine each usage of the phrase I AM to be a piece to a larger puzzle. What is Jesus
communicating? What does Jesus want those listening to know and understand about who he is? What difference do these attributes make? These questions are important as we spend time in these statements of Jesus found in John. As you read pay attention to what stands out to you.
What attributes draw your attention?
Do you not understand something? Pay attention.
Do you wonder what Jesus is seeking to communicate? Pay attention.
Do you feel something when you read a statement? Pay attention.
Do you feel nothing when you read a statement? Pay attention.
What we experience as we read these statements is important, for it reveals to us something about how we experience Jesus. Do I believe in who Jesus says he is? Does it matter to me?
Let this series be a starting point of curiosity with the One who Loves you. You are loved deeply by the one described in each statement. Read along with us and get curious about who Jesus is and what Jesus is like. Use the questions above as a guide while you read. Pay attention to your response to Jesus’ words and ask yourself how you have experienced Jesus as the “I am” statement highlighted each week.
Our Beloved Is is a series inviting us to lean in, grow intimacy with, get curious about, and pay attention to who Jesus is and how we experience him.
We’re excited to be on this journey with you!
The Teaching Team