Jesus who?
We are continuing our special Christmas series called, Jesus Who?
The true origins of Christmas began with the birth of a child, a child who is known by many names with one being the most recognizable – Jesus. And this is where our series begins, Jesus Who?
This series has a foundational belief that eternity has been built into our hearts. Within the heartbeat of eternity, comes our hunger for purpose, our quest to make a difference and desire to be loved. This eternity drives us to seek after something or someone bigger than ourselves.
Over the last two weeks, we have discovered the many names in our exploration of Jesus Who?
The three wise men called Jesus King of a new kingdom.
King Herod called Jesus the Enemy of the present kingdom.
God the Father revealed His name — Jesus.
God revealed His identity – the Lord of Salvation.
Jesus is Pure
Jesus is Sinless
Jesus is the Son of God
Jesus is the promised Savior
Jesus is Christ the Lord
Jesus is the Messiah
If you missed Part 1 or Part 2, go to my website www.cindy-stewart.com/media.
Let’s explore who Jesus says He is. Jesus made seven I Am statements about who He is in Scripture. As I have been reading Jesus: A Theography by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola, I came across how they connected the I Am’s to the birth story. I hope you find these as interesting as I did. Beside each I Am, I have added the location in the Bible in case you want to read more.
“I am the bread of life. (John 6:35)
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which means “house of bread.”
“I am the light of the world. (John 8:12, 9:5)
Jesus was born under the light of the star of Bethlehem.”
“I am the door of the sheep. (John 10:7, 9)
The doors of the guest house were closed to Mary and Joseph,
but the gate to the stable was open.”
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. (John 10:11, 14)
Baby Jesus was sought by shepherds looking for a baby wrapped
in swaddling bands (used for birth or burial), lying in a manger.”
“I am the resurrection and the life. (John 11:25)
Jesus survived King Herod’s attempt to kill Him.”
“I am the way and the truth and the life. (John 14:6)
Wise men found their way to Him, recognized the truth about
Him, and defied King Herod’s evil plot.”
“I am the true vine. (John 15:1)
Jesus was born in Bethlehem Ephrathah, which means “fruitful”.”
With each I Am Jesus spoke, He revealed another layer to us of who He is. His desire is not to give us more information about Himself. Jesus gives us this revelation so who He is becomes a living, breathing reality in us.
Jesus came to make a personal imprint on your life!
In revealing each I Am, Jesus was making a promise to all who would hear and believe. Let’s expand these with the promises each one carries for you and for me.
“I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35)
Jesus, as the bread of life, carries the promise of sustenance and nourishment for us. Sustenance and nourishment comes in many ways through out our day, such as having peace in a difficult situation, tapping creativity, physical energy, healing for our bodies and wisdom for our decisions.
“I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12, 9:5)
The absence of light equals darkness. Jesus is the light which, removes the darkness and illuminates our steps. He promises to give light to our path when we invite Him to shine in us.
“I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7, 9)
In a sheep pen there is a door to enter and exit. Jesus promises to be the door and whoever enters into His door will find life everlasting and security in His care.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, 14)
Jesus knows each one of us by name. He promises to give us a relational life with Him and guide us in all aspects of life.
“I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)
Jesus is the one who came as a child, died for our sins and was resurrected, so we could live with Him now and forever. And His promise is to —
raise up our lives in Him
raise up our dreams in Him
raise up our future in Him
“I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)
Jesus promises to open our mind and our heart to the reality of a Heavenly Father, His Father — Your Father, who loves you! In following His way and His truth, our lives will be lived through His.
“I am the true vine.” (John 15:1)
Jesus is our connection to abundance. When we are connected to Him as the true vine, then we will see the greatest harvest of fruit in our lives. Our fruit comes in the form of joy, love, success, peace, purpose and passion. Because we know the supply chain of each of these and even more comes from — the True vine — Jesus!
Each of these I Am’s are an invitation for us to have a relationship with Jesus as reality in our daily lives. It begins with our Yes! Yes, Jesus I want a greater reality of You in my life.
I hope you are enjoying discovering Jesus who? in this Christmas Season. Next week, we unwrap the Gifts of Christmas.
Don’t miss the opportunity to find out more about Jesus by ordering my two books, 7 Visions and Believing God and Believing His Word. They make great Christmas gifts, and if you order now — you will receive signed copies, while supplies last. With special pricing of 2 for $20.
Order on my website at https://cindy-stewart.com///media/books/
They are also available on Amazon in Kindle format.
Remember, you are the best investment you can make.
1Sweet, Leonard I., and Frank Viola. Jesus: a Theography. Thomas Nelson, 2012.