“I am.” I am is a definitive statement that you make about yourself. I am an Atlanta Braves fan. (please do not hold that against me and keep reading!) I am a Tennessee Volunteer fan. I am can describe something about you that is true, that is relevant for a situation, that is trusted. I am a father, mother, brother, sister, child. I am in love. I am an entrepreneur, businesswoman, waiter, mechanic, and on and on! I am a Christian. These statements tell people something about who you are and what you can do.

The I Am Statements of Jesus

In John’s Gospel, he makes seven “I am” statements that reveal His purpose and power to those who believe in Him as the Messiah. I have included the list below: 

• “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51)
•  “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12)
• “I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7,9)
• “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)
• “I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11, 14)
• “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
• “I am the true vine.” (John 15:1, 5)

These seven statements reveal so much about Jesus! When we read these in context, they show us so much about Jesus’ purpose and plan for our life. Just as bread sustains physical life, Jesus offers to sustain our spiritual life. Just as we live in a world of darkness, Jesus provides the true light that he wants us to share. Jesus being the door means He provides us protection from those who wish to harm us. Jesus is the source of life and has the power over death. Jesus guides us as our good shepherd. Jesus provides us the way to God, which is the only truth in a constantly changing world and gives us life. Jesus is the source of all we need as the true vine.

No One Takes it From Me

As our students have been exploring these statements in our Mid/Week series “I am” on Wednesdays, there was one verse that grabbed my attention during my prep. Read the following verses but pay attention to verse 18! 

14 “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.” — John 10:14-18 (CSB)

“I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again.” Jesus makes this statement about His coming crucifixion – how He gives His life up for ours! But the part that grabbed my attention was the second part of verse 18 – “I have the right to take it up again.” Jesus, in that statement, was telling me that while he chooses to lay His life down for us, He has the power and right to take His life back again! That is what happened on the third day. Jesus died and was buried, and then he took his life back from death, rose, and have complete power over it!

What Do You Need to Lay at His Feet?

This is the savior that extends his hand to us; who wants us to take it and to share His story with everyone we encounter. Above any fears we have, circumstances we face, or whomever we encounter – Jesus has the power over life and death! That should motivate us to lay our fear and lives at His feet as an offering. As our good shepherd, let Him guide our steps and conversations. So, what do you need to lay at the feet of Jesus? What is it that you need to offer up to the one who has the power over death? I promise you this: whatever it is, it is not more powerful than Christ! 

Nick Campbell

Minister to Students & Families

Central Bearden