I Am
I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever go hungry. — John 6:35
In Israel, where Jesus taught, bread was the main food. If you didn’t have bread, you would starve. Jesus knew the people were spiritually hungry. They needed a Savior to fill them with God’s love. Without Jesus, the people would die because of their sin.
I am the light of the world. Those who follow me will never walk in darkness. They will have the light that leads to life. — John 8:12
Everyone knows what it’s like to wake up in the middle of the night and stumble through a dark room. Jesus told the people He was like a bright light that would show them the way to God. Without Jesus, they would continue to live in the darkness of their sin. But if they believed, they would have light to see the truth.
I am like a gate for the sheep. Anyone who enters through me will be saved. —John 10:7, 9
Every night a shepherd would herd his sheep through the gate into their pen. When the sheep were inside the gate, the shepherd could protect them from dangers, such as wolves and thieves. Jesus described himself as the gate. He is the only way to safety and the joy of heaven.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. —John 10:11
Everyone in Israel knew that a shepherd’s responsibility was to protect and care for his sheep. A good shepherd would even risk his life to protect his flock. Jesus knew the people needed someone to take care of them, too. He explained that as their Shepherd, He would make the ultimate sacrifice — dying for the people He loved.
I am the vine. You are the branches. If anyone remains joined to me, and I to him, he will bear a lot of fruit. You can’t do anything without me. —John 15:5
Many people in Jesus’ time owned vineyards — fields of grapevines. The branches, which produced the grapes, had to be attached to the vine. Otherwise they would die. Jesus wanted the people to see that He was their source of life. Unless they were connected to Him, they would die in their sin. Without His help, they could never bear fruit, which means doing good things for God and telling everyone about Him.
What about you? Do you believe Jesus is your Savior? Is He your bread, your light, your gate, your shepherd and your vine? Jesus also said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
Believe in Him today, and you will have a brand-new life as God’s child.