This week our passages for consideration are Matthew 19, Mark 10, Luke 10-18, and John 8-11.

I want to continue considering a list of Jesus’ claims to divinity that I began last week. Jesus made a number of statements beginning with the phrase “I am” which he deliberately chose to identify himself with God.

• “I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7) – Jesus was explaining a metaphor he used to teach about the kingdom of God. He said that sheep would follow their shepherd because they recognize his voice. In the metaphor, Jesus actually identified himself with two aspects of the metaphor. The door is the first one. He described how the sheep would follow their shepherd through the door to the sheepfold (pen). He explained that the gatekeeper would open the door for the shepherd but not for anyone else. Jesus was claiming exclusivity in the path that he provides to heaven.
•  “I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11) – In the second aspect of the metaphor, Jesus identifies himself as the shepherd of the sheep. He contrasts a “hired hand” with the true shepherd in that the shepherd actually cares for his sheep and willingly lays down his life to protect the sheep. This is one of many passages in which Jesus predicted that he would be killed and then would be raised from the dead. He said (vs. 17-18), “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” Jesus made another interesting statement in verse 16. He said that “I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” This is a clear reference to the future inclusion of non-Jews in his church (the flock).

This post is short, but I strongly encourage you to check out the sermon videos that I’ve linked below. They are some sermons from John Piper at Desiring God and from Matt Chandler at The Village Church. I have great respect for both of these Bible teachers and encourage you to spend time listening to their expositions on Jesus’ great “I Am” statements!

Next week we’ll take a look at Matthew 20-25, Mark 10-13, Luke 18-21, and John 12.

For Further Investigation

• I Am Who I Am sermon from John Piper at Desiring God.
• I Am The Light of the World sermon from John Piper at Desiring God.
• I Am (Part 1) sermon from Matt Chandler.
• I Am (Part 2) sermon (The Bread of Life) from Jamin Roller.
• I Am (Part 3) sermon (The Light of the World) from Matt Chandler.
• I Am (Part 4) sermon (The Door) from Rob Daniels.ser
• I Am (Part 5) sermon (The Good Shepherd) from Matt Chandler.
• I Am (Part 6) sermon (The Way, The Truth, and The Life) from Matt Chandler.
• I Am (Part 7) sermon (The True Vine) from Matt Chandler.