No leader or religion can do for us what Jesus alone can do. If the founders of the world’s religious systems were alive on earth today, they could only say, “I was.” The stark truth is that they have passed, and in being gone, can’t help anyone. But we believe that Jesus is alive, and therefore says, I AM. He offers us a spiritual life in the present tense – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Let’s continue exploring the rest of Jesus’ “I AM” statements in the book of John.

Shepherds were integral to Israel as the people of God. “Shepherd” designates a form of responsibility, leadership, and care. In Ezekiel 34, God reprimands the people He’d appointed to be the spiritual protectors and guides for His people. They’d only cared for themselves, leaving the people of Israel vulnerable and unprotected. So, Jesus’ reference to a good shepherd was a deliberate and scathing criticism to those leaders failing those they served!

Jesus speaks prophetically indicating He will choose to lay down His life for all people – like a good shepherd does for his sheep. He’ll give His life because He is good and as it pleases Father God to redeem mankind. King David declared in Psalm 23, The Lord is my shepherd. As sheep trust and follow their shepherd, we can follow and trust Jesus not only for our eternal salvation but also for our healing and transformation. Jesus is our good shepherd.

The actions of Adam and Eve noted in Genesis 3 brought death for mankind and brokenness for creation. Jesus’ sacrifice gives life and restoration for all who believe in Him. This declaration by Jesus, I am the resurrection and the life, is linked to a miracle performed by Jesus that validates His claim. The resurrection of Lazarus is only recorded in the book of John.

Jesus spoke this declaration to Martha: a heartbroken sister whose brother had died. She told Jesus that if He had been there, her brother wouldn’t have died. He responds with empathy, and then claims He has power over death itself. He allows this situation with Lazarus to help people believe that Jesus was not just a good friend, but God Himself. Who else could raise a corpse to life? It’s revolutionary – Jesus is resurrection life, bringing life to the physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually dead!

We may like to think we’re not influenced by other people, but in reality we’re all deeply affected by what we take in. A video on YouTube, a friend’s opinion on Facebook or the annual assessment at work! What do these messages do to us internally as we seek to navigate life?

2,000 years ago, Andrew and Peter fished for a living. Then Jesus called them, and their lives changed dramatically. Now at the Last Supper, Jesus says He’s leaving and returning to heaven. Anxiety fills the disciples’ hearts. After three years with Jesus, these young disciples may have been wondering: “Jesus, why are you leaving us alone in this crazy world?” Into the rising tide of their fear Jesus reassures them. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” (John 14:1 NLT). Then Jesus declares – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Any alternatives to Jesus are not truth. In our culture where people chase after all types of tempting alternatives to Jesus, but live with a troubled heart, our call is to authentically live everything Jesus teaches.

In John 15:1-8, Jesus speaks of a vine, a common Old Testament symbol for Israel – called to be God’s people. The language of the unfruitful branches is linked to Israel as the desolate vineyard in Isaiah 5. By contrast, Jesus says the people of God have life and fruit by being in Him, as pictured in Isaiah 27:2-6.

This I AM declaration strikes at our independent spirit – Jesus calls us to be totally reliant on Him. As The Message puts it: “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing.” We may achieve things on our own, but for anything to be of eternal value, it can only flow from our dependance on Jesus. We are motivated to this shift in our thinking and lifestyle by the amazing affirmation John shares with us – How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1)

1. How would you feel if the one who was supposed to protect you ran away when physical or spiritual trouble came? How would you feel if someone were to step in to protect and lay down their life for you?

2. In Jesus’ resurrection of Lazarus, what impacts you about Jesus’ humanity? What feelings do you have about whether Jesus has this same kind of deep intimate care for you?

3. How does the promise of eternal life with Jesus affect the way we live or make decisions this week? What else would be different if we truly believed that Jesus was the resurrection and life?

4. All of us are searching for the meaning of life, or for a full and adventurous experience. How does Jesus shape our expectations when He says that He is the life? In what ways does Jesus satisfy the longing to find meaning or significance in life?

5. In the metaphor of the vine, Jesus brings insight to His process of pruning us. What areas of your life do you believe God may want to ‘prune’? How do you think this will bring more focus, spiritual effectiveness and experiences with Jesus?