I AM
The Gospel of John
-I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51)
-I AM the Light of the World (John 8:12, John 9:5)
-I AM the Gate (John 10:11, 14)
-I AM the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14)
-I AM the Resurrection and the Life (John:11, 25)
-I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)
-I AM the True Vine (John 15:1, 5)
Shepherd Imagery
I AM the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-21)
Four Distinct Characteristics:
Sacrificial
–”The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep” (John 10:11 NLT)
–”I sacrifice my life for the sheep” (John 10:18b NLT)
–”My Good, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?” (Psalms 22:1 NLT)
–At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46 NLT)
–Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, Is this the one who relies on the Lord? Then let the Lord save him! If the Lord loves him so much, let the Lord rescue him!” (Psalms 22:7-8 NLT)
–The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. (Matthew 27:39 NLT)
–He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” (Matthew 27:43 NLT)
–My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced[a] my hands and feet. (Psalm 22:16 NLT)
–They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing. (Psalm 22:18 NLT)
–Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. (Matthew 27:38 NLT)
–But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all! (Psalm 22:6 NLT)
-Worm / Rimmah (worm, maggot)
-Worm / TOLA’ATH (crimson or scarlet worm)
–No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us. (John 1:18b NLT)
–There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13 NLT)
–But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8 NLT)
Loving
–For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. (Romans 1:20 NLT)
Caring
Personal
– “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me,” (John 10:14 NLT)
–The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. (John 10:3b NLT)
What is the biggest unresolved question or struggle in your life that keeps you from fully trusting the Good Shepherd?
A psalm of David.
1 O Lord, I give my life to you.
2 I trust in you, my God!
Do not let me be disgraced,
or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
3 No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
4 Show me the right path, O Lord;
point out the road for me to follow.
5 Lead me by your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
6 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love,
which you have shown from long ages past.
7 Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
for you are merciful, O Lord. (Psalm 25:1-7 NLT)
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