Pastor and author Tony Evans has said, "You don't know who you dealing with! Somebody up there is greater than what you're facing down here." These two loaded words: I AM demonstrate Jesus' desire to fulfill God's promise from long ago, define his DNA, and declare his deity. The simplest way to say it is that Jesus is saying: I am God. These two words are loaded with God and loaded for you.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Y - Yield
Sunday's Message Text: John 8
Bible Plan Readings - Week 38
START IT.
We are currently in a teaching series, I AM: Jesus In His Own Words, focused on meeting Jesus in the book of John. From Sunday's message in John 8 or the Meet Jesus Bible Reading Plan this week, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
SHARE IT.
In John 8:23-25, how does Jesus define who he is? How is this unlike anyone else?
In John 8:28-33, how does Jesus demonstrate his desire to fulfill God's promise to Abraham? Why did this matter so much to the Jewish crowd?
What was Jesus saying in John 8:28 when he said to them, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know I am he"?
What was the crowd really asking in John 8:53, 57-58? (See Genesis 12:1-3) How is Jesus fitting the overarching Bible narrative?
Look at Exodus 3:1-14. What connection is Jesus making to Moses and his encounter with God?
SHOW IT.
Why are these two loaded words so controversial to Jewish people and non-Jews alike?
Why is it necessary for Jesus to use these words at all? What is his expectation of you as the listener to these words?
What are people putting their hope in when they say they are "offspring of Abraham"? Can you think of a similiar example of putting our hope in something "good" but not Jesus?
If Jesus is greater than Abraham, what does that mean for you as a Bible reader right now?
What would you do after you heard Jesus say this to you today? Get practical.
FINAL THOUGHT
Tony Evans added, "The best time to experience the I AM-ness of Jesus is when things aren't making sense in your life." Why would hearing Jesus is the I AM help someone this week? How would you explain these two words in 1 minute or less?