I AM HE!!

John 18:1-11 On this fourth Sunday of Lent, we continue our journey with the book, "40 Days of Decrease." Our current readings in the book of John have brought us to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus is arrested. The story paints an amazing scene in which trained, rugged soldiers fall back on the ground at the sound of Jesus' voice. The irony in this account is thick. Jesus is the one arrested, yet we're left with the clear picture that He is firmly in control. He is not forced to go to the cross but goes willingly, having affirmed with the words "I Am He" that He is God in the flesh. John has previously described a number of "I AM" declarations which Jesus willingly embraces and fulfils as He makes His way to the cross. Jesus said... I Am the Bread of Life (John 6:30-35) Those who heard Jesus make this declaration would have known God fed His people miraculously in the desert during the Exodus and that Jesus had very recently miraculously fed a crowd. As God's people were sustained in the wilderness by God, so followers of Jesus are provided His sustaining presence. As we turn intentionally to "feast" on God's presence, He brings vitality to our faith and hope. I Am the Gate for the Sheep (John 10:7-10) Jesus declares that He is the entrance to restored life with God. Beyond entrance, He is also our protection against those who want to steal our experience of God's life. We embrace Jesus as the Gate when we believe He is the source of True Life and follow His lead. I Am the True Vine By using this statement, Jesus is declaring that He is the True Israel, the One through whom God's purposes are fulfilled on earth. As a branch cannot thrive in isolation so, as followers of Jesus, we cannot thrive without vital connection to Christ and His people.