Jesus, the Great "I Am"
Overview
This sermon explores the theme of Jesus as the "I Am" in the Gospel of John. It highlights how John presents Jesus' divine identity through His miracles, teachings, and direct claims. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus is the self-existent, eternal God, fulfilling Old Testament revelations and providing spiritual nourishment, living water, and eternal life.
1. The Gospel of John and Its Structure
John, originally from Galilee, spent his later years in Ephesus, writing his Gospel, letters, and the Book of Revelation.
His Gospel is divided into two main sections:
Chapters 1-12: Seven signs (miracles) demonstrating Jesus' power and divinity.
Chapters 13-21: Jesus' Passion, crucifixion, and resurrection.
John portrays Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, using the phrase "I Am" (Greek: ego eimi) to reveal His divine nature.
2. Jesus as the "I Am" of the Old Testament
The phrase "I Am" refers to God’s personal name (Yahweh) revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14.
God declares, “I Am who I Am”, signifying His eternal self-existence.
Some skeptics claim Jesus never identified Himself as divine, but John 8:58 proves otherwise:
"Before Abraham was, I Am."
The Jews understood this as a claim to deity and tried to stone Him.
3. Jesus’ Miracles and the "I Am" Statements
Each of Jesus' seven "I Am" statements corresponds with a miracle, proving His power over nature, life, and salvation:
"I Am the Bread of Life" (John 6:35) – Jesus feeds the 5,000.
He provides eternal sustenance, unlike the temporary manna in the wilderness.
"I Am the Light of the World" (John 8:12) – He heals a man born blind.
Jesus illuminates spiritual truth and removes darkness.
"I Am the Door" (John 10:9) – He protects and provides access to God.
No one enters God’s kingdom except through Him.
"I Am the Good Shepherd" (John 10:11) – He lays down His life for His sheep.
Jesus cares for and guides His followers.
"I Am the Resurrection and the Life" (John 11:25) – He raises Lazarus from the dead.
Jesus has power over life and death.
"I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6) – He provides the only path to God.
No salvation exists outside of Christ.
"I Am the True Vine" (John 15:5) – He sustains spiritual growth.
Believers must remain in Him to bear fruit.
4. Jesus as the Provider of Spiritual Life
Just as people need food and water to survive, they need Jesus for eternal life.
Jesus offers living water (John 7:37-39) that truly satisfies, unlike temporary worldly pleasures.
The sermon recounts a missionary experience of extreme thirst in the Altai Mountains, illustrating the deep satisfaction Jesus provides through His Spirit.
5. Jesus’ Call to Spiritual Rebirth
In John 3, Jesus tells Nicodemus, "You must be born again".
This refers to a spiritual rebirth through water (baptism) and the Spirit.
Many people focus only on earthly needs, missing the spiritual reality Jesus offers.
6. Jesus’ Prayer for Unity and Eternal Life
In John 17, Jesus prays for His followers to be one with Him and the Father.
Those who trust in Him share in His glory, love, and eternal life.
7. Invitation to Respond
For those outside Christ: They are called to trust in Him, repent, and be baptized.
For believers: They are encouraged to live in unity, abiding in Jesus, the Great "I Am".
Final Reflection
This sermon powerfully reinforces Jesus' divinity and His role as the source of eternal life. Through His "I Am" statements and miraculous signs, Jesus proves He is Yahweh in the flesh. The message urges listeners to seek spiritual fulfillment in Christ, be born again, and abide in the eternal "I Am".
