Jesus does something crazy – “I AM” part 6

Jesus comforts Martha on the occasion of her brothers’ death and he says: I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

Jesus is just about to do something crazy. Lazarus has been dead for 4 days. Yet Jesus brings him back to life. However, Lazarus would one day die again. The ‘resurrection’ and ‘life’ that Jesus offers to those who believe in him – is a resurrection and a life that will never end. Do you believe this?

In John’s Gospel there are 7 signs (miracles) that are recorded that reveal Jesus’ identity as God’s Promised King. Jesus raising Lazarus to new life is the 7th sign, but ultimately it points to an 8th and even greater sign – the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Never read about it? It’s stunning. Go read it now.

The Shepherd that dies for his Sheep – “I AM” part 5

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep […] “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me […] No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:11,14,18)

Jesus is good. In the surrounding verses there is a contrast between Jesus and the shepherds who have come before him; they were bad. The OT Prophet big guns each speak of the dodginess of the unfaithful shepherds over Israel and that God himself will come to shepherd his people (see Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 23:1-4; Ezekiel 34).

Jesus cares for his sheep. He demonstrates his love for them by willingly laying down his life for them. It would have been pretty rare for a shepherd to do for his sheep, yet Jesus did it willingly?!?! Why did he do it? Because “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way” and so in the death of Jesus, “the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

Return to the Good Shepherd.

Safe and secure – “I AM” part 4

Our desire for safety and security impacts our relationships, real estate, employment, parenting and more. Sometimes we make investments into things that aren’t ultimately secure. Jesus offers safety, security and salvation – not just for this life, but for eternity.

Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:7-10)

Want real security? Enter through Jesus.

Stop stumbling in the dark – “I AM” part 3

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Light vs Darkness is a recurring theme in John’s Gospel. The opening verses of John have already described Jesus as the light who came into dark world, yet the darkness doesn’t recognise him. But some do recognise him.

Lots of people stumble through life looking for answers. Jesus says stop stumbling! Those who recognise that Jesus is the light are given eternal life. In John 9, Jesus again says that he’s the light of the world, and then heals a man born blind. This is a picture of Jesus being the one who enables the blind to see, not just physically, but spiritually. Some people think they can see but can’t actually see.

Check out this picture of life in the new creation: “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.” (Revelation 21) That’s pretty cool.

Don’t be a grumble bum – “I AM” part 2

People try all sorts of things to try and be satisfied. When we’re not satisfied, we grumble. In the Old Testament, Israel were grumble bums. God rescued them out of slavery, yet they got bored and said they’d rather go back to Egypt. While they were wandering around the desert, God provided them with some tasty tasty treats (manna), it was exactly what they needed, yet they still grumbled and complained.

What Jesus offers is really really satisfying. Check it: Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)

Just before this, they’ve asked Jesus for some of the manna-like bread that their forefathers had received. Jesus says, he’s the bread! Jesus brings lasting satisfaction.

Dissatisfied with life? Like to grumble? Jesus says come to him. To those who believe in Jesus, he gives life. Not just any kind of life, but eternal life. Life forever.

Trust him. Be satisfied in him.

Don’t throw rocks at Jesus – “I AM” part 1

Jesus made some big claims about himself. One of the biggest claims he makes is in John 8:58“I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” Jesus claims to be: “I am”. It kinda feels like an incomplete sentence. But when you understand what Jesus is actually saying, you can understand why his Jewish audience were offended and immediately picked up stones to stone him!

Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus continues to make the claim that he and the Father are One. In this particular interchange, his audience question him and ask if he thinks he is greater than Abraham. Jesus says that Abraham actually rejoiced at seeing his day. The Jews laugh this off since Jesus isn’t even 50 years old, yet he claims to have seen Abraham (around some 2000 years prior)!

Then he drops the bombshell… “before Abraham was born, I am!” Why do they pick up stones to kill Jesus? They understand that at this point, if Jesus hasn’t already been explicit enough, he is claiming to be the God of Abraham and Moses. In Exodus 3, God reveals himself to Moses as “I am who I am.” Jesus is claiming to be that God. This isn’t a surprise to the reader of John’s Gospel, Jesus is introduced in the opening sentences as God who became flesh and dwelt among us.

This is the first in an 8 part series on the “I am” statements of Jesus. John records 7 “I am” statements (bread of life, light of the world, gate, good shepherd, resurrection and the life, way truth & life, true vine). However, in order to understand each of those 7 metaphors, it’s necessary to understand the greatest of these statements where Jesus simply says “I am”.

This means he is God. This means it matters how you treat him. This means it’s not cool to pick up rocks and throw them at him!

Clovelly Summer Festival

This week I’ll be on a Summerfest-style mission in the Eastern Suburbs. My friend, Dave Rogers, began a new gospel community at St Luke’s Anglican Church Clovelly a year ago. I will be leading a team of locals and foreigners (those of us from other churches) aiming to share the good news of Jesus with people in Clovelly.

Here’s some of the gear that’s happening:

  • Summer church
  • Summer Kids Club (infants, primary art, primary drama, primary cricket)
  • Backyard BBQ & Blues (with live music)
  • Sandcastle competition
  • Barefoot bowls charity fundraiser
  • Leafleting/door-knocking

Check out www.clovelly.org.au for more info. We would value your prayers. Not into praying? Go read this stuff about Jesus. Keep up-to-date during the week via twitter.