I am excited to announce that we have just released a new FREE Online Bible Study entitled, “Before I Go: A Study of Jesus’ Final Teaching & Prayer.”
If you have ever wondered, “Who is Jesus Christ?” or questioned His relevance in your twenty-first-century life, this 3-week Bible study is for you.
In today’s article, we’ll be answering this question with the seven “I am” statements Jesus made in the book of John.
Article by: Sarah Koontz
Who is Jesus Christ…Really?
The last time you said the name of Jesus Christ, was it in anger, surprise—or worship?
We live in a culture that tosses the name of Jesus Christ about with careless ease, yet few people realize who Jesus Christ truly is.
Satan has been profaning, belittling, and maligning the name of Jesus Christ for thousands of years. He has done everything in his power to turn it into a curse word.
Constantly degrading. Devaluing. Disparaging the name of Jesus.
All so he can prevent us from getting to know the Person who bears the name.
When the enemy bamboozles us into believing Jesus Christ is nothing more than a foul word, he effectually prevents us from experiencing the love of God.
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
So we spend our lives disconnected from the thing our hearts crave—the unabashed, undiluted, undeserved, and unconditional love of our Creator.
We live in a culture that tosses the name of Jesus Christ about with careless ease, yet few people realize who Jesus Christ truly is.The purpose of this article is to give you the opportunity to meet the Man who bears the name, Jesus Christ, and to invite you to be transformed by that knowledge.
HANDLETTERED GRAPHICS BY: Selena Ashley Designs
Start in the book of John.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard my mom say those words.
“If you want to know who Jesus Christ really is, start in the book of John.”
All throughout my childhood, I remember her repeating these words to different people in different situations.
Many heeded her advice and their lives were changed by the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
And somewhere along the way, I adopted my mom’s strategy.
“Start in the book of John.”
This book of the Bible offers us a first-hand account of Jesus’ time here on earth.
John uses many metaphors in his writing and each one gives us fresh insight about Jesus Christ.
Today, I’d like to share seven “I am…” statements of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of John to help you answer the question, “Who is Jesus Christ?” for yourself.
These are words and phrases Jesus used to describe himself—I like to think of them as His personal testimony.
Join this 3-week online Bible study entitled 'Before I Go: A Study of Jesus' Final Teachings and Prayer' as we explore the book of John to answer the question, 'Who is Jesus Christ?'The Gospel of John was written for people who weren’t there to touch Jesus’ wounds or witness His miracles for themselves.
People like you and me.
The stated purpose of this book is recorded in John 20:30, “But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name.”
The collection of “I am” statements included in the book of John is a sensory buffet—helping us experience Jesus with all of our senses.
Let’s dig in!!
The Seven “I Am” Statements of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John
Who is Jesus Christ? “I am the bread of life, no one who comes to Me will ever be hungry.” (John 6:35)
As someone who is always hungry, this metaphor speaks to me! Although physical hunger will always return (like clockwork), when we find our satisfaction in Jesus Christ, our spiritual hunger will be eternally satisfied.
Who is Jesus Christ? “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
In the same way that the sun sheds light on the earth, the Son of God sheds light on the human heart. Without Jesus, we know nothing but darkness. With Jesus, we are invited to experience the warmth, direction, and comfort of eternal light.
Who is Jesus Christ? “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)
Notice how He didn’t say, “I am one of the many doors.” Nope! He said I am THE door. He follows this statement with a warm invitation to enter and be saved. After walking through this door, we are able to experience eternal freedom and bounty like we’ve never known before.
Jesus Christ offers us the way to God, the truth that sets us free, and the life we long for.
Who is Jesus Christ? “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.” (John 15:5)
When we accept Jesus Christ (for who He really is) and place our faith in Him, He gives us the Holy Spirit. The indwelling Spirit of God gives us the ability to produce a bounty of eternal consequence. You can read more about the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:38 and John 14:26.
Who is Jesus Christ? “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
Jesus died in agony and rose in victory so we might live with Him for all of eternity. He did this for one reason and one reason alone. Because He loves us. What a gift! The victorious Christian life is not glamorous or easy, but it is full of hope and peace.
Who is Jesus Christ? “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live.” (John 11:25)
Jesus offers us a kind of life the world can never steal away from us—eternal life. And more than that, He invites us to begin experiencing this new life today! Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection teach us that God is worth believing in.
Who is Jesus Christ? “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
Jesus Christ offers us the way to God, the truth that sets us free, and the life we long for. But in order to grab hold of these promises, you must first “confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead (Rom. 10:9-10).”
If you’ve been intrigued by these “I Am” statements of Jesus, I invite you to join me for the “Before I Go” study. The purpose of this 3-week study is to help peel back the layers of deceit and preconceived notions we may have about Jesus and invite God to show us who He really is.
Everyone who signs up for this study will receive this beautiful “I AM” printable created by Neely Beattie as a thank you gift. All you need to complete our online study is 15-minutes per day and an e-mail address.
If you have ever wondered who Jesus Christ REALLY is or questioned His relevance in your life, I invite you to join us for the “Before I Go” study.
All you need to complete this free online Bible study is 15-minutes per day and an e-mail address.
When we get to know who Jesus really is—understand why He came to earth and humbled himself to the point of death upon the cross—we are completely transformed.
THE “BEFORE I GO” BIBLE STUDY WILL HELP YOU:
- Understand Who Jesus Christ Is
- Receive the Free Gift of Salvation
- Invite others to Accept Jesus’ Invitation
- Study and Apply God’s Word to Your Life
- Pray With Absolute Confidence
Thanks to the generous donations we receive from our Support Team each month, this study will be offered free of charge to anyone who wishes to participate.
PLEASE INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN US!
Looking forward to studying Jesus’ final words with you!
