Day 315

I Am

Read: John 10-12

There are seven great “I ams” in the Gospel of John. We have already considered some of Jesus’ claims, “I am the bread of life” (6:35) and “I am the light of the world” (9:5). Later Jesus will say, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (14:6) and “I am the true vine” (15:1). Significantly, the great name of God, Yahweh (or Jehovah), comes from the Hebrew verbal root “I am,” so these statements of Jesus are also claims to deity.

In the passage today, we have three more “I ams”:

(1) “I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved” (10:9). Jesus refers to the door of a sheepfold. The only way the sheep can enjoy the green pastures and find life is by passing through that door. Jesus is the one way for us to experience life.

(2) “I am the good shepherd” (10:14). Significantly, in Ezekiel, God condemns the leaders of Israel for their unfaithfulness as shepherds and promises that he himself will come. Also in Psalm 23, “The Lord [Yahweh] is my shepherd.” Now Jesus comes fulfilling that role. Again, a claim to deity.

(3) “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (11:25). Lazarus lies dead in the grave. Martha believes he will rise at the end of the world, but now Jesus makes this claim and proves it by raising Lazarus from the dead. How great Jesus is!

PRAYER
Father, we praise you that you have come to us in the person of your Son to give us eternal life. In his name. Amen.