I Am sayings Flashcards
What is Jesus’ first I am saying?
I am the bread of life:
Summary: Jesus is upset with the crowds as they only believe in him when he performs signs, Jesus states that they have to work for the eternal bread by believing in him (as he is the bread of life), he then makes a comparison between the manna that Moses distributed and said that he supersedes that manna. The Jews response is disbelief as Jesus is from human birth (Mary and Joseph)
Scholars:
- Carson suggests that in v25 the crowds use of Rabbi is a demonstration of confusion and uncertainty
- Barrett states that John intends for us to conclude that Jesus is the true bread from heaven, above manna, and that G-d was the sender of both
What is Jesus’ second I am saying?
I am the light of the world
Summary: Jesus states he is the light of the world, the pharisees then challenge him stating he has no witnesses. Jesus then responds with his testimony being true as the Father is his witness, the pharisees then question where and who his father is, and Jesus responds saying that cannot know his father if they don’t know him.
Scholars:
- Dodd suggests we see in this passage an echo of the opposition of the authorities within the synoptic accounts
-Brown says that G-d’s light irradiates human existence and gives man knowledge of the purpose and meaning of life
What is Jesus’ third I am saying?
I am the good shepherd:
Summary: Jesus creates an illustration for the pharisees; He states that anyone who doesn’t enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs it another way is a thief, while those who enter through the gate are the sheep. He then tells them that he is the gate for the sheep, whoever enters through me will be saved. Jesus finishes with stating “I am the good shepherd” and the Jews respond claiming he is demon possessed, some disagree and say “can a demon-possessed heal the blind?”
Scholars:
- v4 echoes Ezekiel 34 as the shepherd leads his sheep, rather than driving them from behind (religious authorities)
- In v17, Carson argues that Jesus’ death cannot be seen as a tragic human accident but as part of both the Fathers plan, and that the Son’s obedience to that plan is his consummate awareness that he lays down his life on his own accord
What is Jesus’ fourth I am saying?
I am the true vine:
Summary: Jesus uses the natural imagery of vines and branches to illustrate the relationship between himself and his followers, emphasizing that they must abide in him to bear fruit and that the Father, as the vinedresser, prunes and cares for the vine.
Scholars:
- Dodd notes the way in which the use of the motif of the vine echoes with the OT where the history of Israel from the Exodus is told in terms of the clearing of the vineyard.
