I hope this blesses you. I will be preaching on this more later in the month. In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes 7 "I Am" statements. They are a powerful reminder to us that He is God and we are not, and that is wonderful, since they each declare His protective and provisional attributes to us. If you are struggling with fear, (and are blessed to even be aware that you are), take some time to meditate on these 7 "I Am" statements and promises from Jesus.
1. "I am the bread of life." - Jesus is telling us that He will sustain us. In context it is found in John 6:35, 41, 48, 51. The people had been fed and wanted more. Jesus promised to sustain us and be enough forever. He makes that promise also to you because it is who He is.
2. "I am the light of the world." - Jesus is telling us that He will always be our constant guide. Whatever you are up against today, Jesus will help you to navigate it, and He will do so without compromise to His or your holiness. In context, it is from John 8:12. During the Feast of Tabernacles a huge candelabra was lit in the women's court as a reminder of the pillar of fire which guided their ancestors during their wilderness wanderings. He makes this promise to guide you always because it is who He is.
3. "I am the door of the sheep." John 10:7,9 Jesus is declaring the religious leaders to be unfit shepherds because they leave the sheep to fend for themselves. Here, He makes the statement that He is the door of the sheep as a way to say, He is their ultimate protector. Shepherds guided their sheep into stone enclosures which had no door to them, only an opening, and shepherds would sit or lie down across or in the opening to prevent predators from attacking the sheep. Here Jesus describes Himself as that door as a declaration of His care and devotion for the sheep. He is protecting and caring for you even at this very moment, because it is who He is. Rest, then, in His protection.
4. "I am the good shepherd." This is from John 10:11& 14. It is an extension of the above because Jesus knows the sheep have a tendency to worry and carry more concern than they should. Jesus is reconfirming His care and devotion by promising not to leave or forsake the flock. Not at anytime, nor under any level of duress will the good shepherd abandon His duty of protecting and caring for us. Allow no lie from Satan to enter your minds and tell you otherwise. A weapon may be formed against you, but it will have to go through Jesus first, so fear not, for He has already overcome the world and its vices. He makes this promise to you because it is who He is.
5. "I am the resurrection and the life." - This is from John 11:25. The context surrounds the death of Lazarus and Christ bringing him back to life. Jesus is telling us that life and death are in his hands and that He is life and resurrection to us. Death is not the final word, but Jesus IS the final Word. All who are in Christ will live forever with Him. If a situation looks hopeless and all seems lost, remember that Christ is the life and resurrection of long dead and hopeless things. Nothing is impossible for Him and He works all things for our good according to His purpose. He can promise this to you because it is who He is.
6. "I am the way, the truth, and the life." - This is from John 14:6. Jesus is telling us that He is our source for all truth and knowledge and that He gives the life of God. Whatever your true needs are emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually, Jesus is the source, and He gives you what you need. He knows what you need and gives generously. There is nothing that we need apart from Jesus, so we can trust Him in all His ways because this is who He is.
7. Lastly, "I am the true vine." - This is from John 15:1 & 5. The OT references Israel as God's vine in multiple places. Because of the nation's unfruitfulness, Christ has come to fulfill God's plan and to graft us into the vine with Israel. By remaining attached to Christ, we enable His life to flow in and through us making us to be fruitful even in seasons of drought. In Christ we will bear fruit and honor the Father. He is telling us that He is our gardener, and He is bringing us back to a place like before the sin of the garden of Eden, where we walk with Him, talk with Him, and reign with Him. Jesus is the author and FINISHER of our faith. If we remain in Him, and He enables us to do so, then He will finish the work He started in you and you will bear fruit even when all circumstances seem unfavorable. You have this promise from Him, because it is who He is.
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