Did you really ponder on it?
The red and green lights, the feasting, the season’s jingles and wishes.
Who is this Jesus that Christians choose to celebrate His birth at this time of the year?
We can’t fully appreciate and celebrate His birth if we don’t understand and embrace the purpose and provision of His coming.
So, I want you to take some time to reflect and respond to these declarations Jesus made about Himself. In John’s gospel, we see the 7-fold “I Am” statements of Jesus that summarizes who He is/should be to mankind.
Let’s explore it together…
- I Am the Bread of Life: John 6: 35, 45, 51
One of the greatest and inevitable needs of living things is food – bread. Without food, you get weak, sick, and death follows. But this physical food is concerned with just the body, which is made of dust, and must get back to dust one day. However, Jesus said, “I am the Bread of life” that gives everlasting life (John 6: 50, 51, 54). Unlike the bread of this world which is limited in supply, and must be paid for by the individual who needs it; the Bread of Life is unlimited and free – Jesus has already paid for it. “So how do I partake of this Bread?” “He that cometh to me…” Jesus said. Simply come to Jesus, He never casts out anyone who comes – no matter how destitute you are. “And the Bread that I will give is my flesh which I will give for the life of the world.” Jesus took on flesh, came into this world, and offered Himself – allowing that flesh to be scourged and hung on the cross – so as to redeem man from the pit of sin. Whosoever cometh to Jesus, confessing Him as Lord and Saviour, and forsaking his/her past life of sin eats of this Bread that gives eternal life. Thereafter, as you feed and drink of the Living word and water – in the Bible – (John 1: 1-5; 4: 10), you’ll stay nourished and refreshed.
2. I Am the Light of the World: John 8:12; 9:5
The world is infected with darkness – sin, problems, confusion, misery… A world – where right is called wrong, and wrong right; that labels white black and black white; which refuses to recognize good as good and evil as evil. There could be nothing as dark, gloomy and obscured as such a world. Jesus came to give light to this world, so that whoever wants to see aright will. And how can one make use of that light He gives? “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). – You must follow Him, always. Follow His word, teachings, direction, steps… Where do we find all that? In the Bible! Psalm 119: 105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
3. I Am the Door of the Sheep: John 10: 7,9
Just like a physical door provides one access into or out of a room; Jesus provides same for His obedient children – the sheep. “… by me if any enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” (John 10: 9) God has provided great physical and spiritual blessings for His children, in the storehouse of Heaven. But to get into that storehouse, you must enter in through the Door – Jesus.
4. I Am the Good Shepherd: John 10: 11,14
Jesus, more than any human shepherd will do, sacrificed His life for His sheep. He never fails to guide His sheep in a right and fruitful path – where they can get food and water. He constantly watches over them – to keep them from harm and deliver them from the mouth of the prey. And even when one sheep strays away, He seeks and calls out to that lost sheep so as to bring him/her back to the fold. He know each of His sheep – their names and needs (John 10: 14 Isaiah 49: 14-17).
5. I Am the Resurrection and Life: John 11:25
Physical death is not the end of one’s life. The body simply returns to the dust, while the spirit goes on to its eternal abode – Heaven or Hell. (Hebrews 9:27). Those who believe in Jesus, whose lives have been made clean by His atoning blood, have everlasting life. The Bible tells us that there will be a resurrection to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15; 42-57 Romans 8:10). To experience that glorious resurrection to life, and partake in the splendor of Heaven, you must believe and benefit from the redemptive work of Jesus.
6. I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life: John 14: 6
There is no other “way” to have a relationship with the Most High God – out of a life of sin and darkness – except through Jesus. Jesus – His word – is truth (John 1: 1-3); absolute truth. No matter how much the world argues with, or rejects it, it can’t make it loose its essence – the truth. Jesus is the Life – He gives life, both temporal and eternal to those who come unto Him (John 3: 15, 16). His life is as well, a perfect guide to those who want to live a fulfilled life.
7. I Am the True Vine: John 15: 1, 5
Jesus describes Himself as the vine, and those who believe in, and follow Him the branches. Just like the branches of any tree is expected to bear fruits, Jesus, and the Father (the Husbandman) expects and demands fruits be produced by its branches. Fruits of – righteousness (Matthew 3:8; 7: 16-20), the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), service. To bear such fruits, we must abide in the vine. How? Study and obey His word always, pray, fellowship with other believers.
Having seen these declarations of who Jesus is/should be to you, what do you do with it?
Search your life and know if He’s all that to you. If lacking in any, just go to Him right away. He’s always ready to receive anyone, and be all that “I Am” to everyone who comes.
He is “I AM” in every season. Celebrate Him always!
Remain Radiant!
Nice one dear. This is good.
Thanks bro… Bless you!