I AM SERIES….Significance of “I am…”

God’s revelation to Moses: Exodus 3:14

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (NASB)

Jesus in John 8:58 “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” (NASB)

I AM’s in the Gospel of JohnI am the bread of life – 6:35I am the light of the world – 8:12I am the gate – 10:7,9I am the good shepherd – 10:11,14I am the resurrection and the life – 11:25I am the way, the truth, the life – 14:6I am the true vine – 15:1,5

I am the Good Shepherd Jesus’s audience was familiar with shepherding… in their contemporary culture and their history as recorded in the Old Testament….

Examples:

Moses - Exodus 3:1 David – a shepherd , leader of Israel (2 Samuel 5:2);

author of Psalm 23God - as shepherd to His people - Isaiah 40:10&11False shepherds – Ezekiel 34:1-10

Scripture Text: John 10: 1-18…Verses 1- 10

I am the gate

- John 14:6 – “…I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.” (NASB)

Strangers, thieves, robbers (stealing, kill, destroy…)

Abundant life

I am the Good Shepherd…. Verses 11-18

As the Good Shepherd, Jesus:

1. Lays down His life for the sheep! (Sacrificial love)- Isaiah 53: 4-6; Romans 5:6-8

2. Sticks with his sheep (no matter what) - Hebrews 13: 5&6

3. Goes before His sheep (leads)- ex. temptation (Hebrews 2:18)- guidance, providing, comforting…..

As the Good Shepherd, Jesus:

4. Cares for His sheep-1 Peter 5:6&7

5. Knows His sheep – by name- Psalm 139

6. Has a relationship with his sheep – verse 14 - John 17:3

Life Questions:

Who are you following? (Trusting in….)

What are you facing now that you need Christ’s shepherding?

What is the “next step” God is leading you in?