One of the features of the Gospel of John is the way he writes about the life of Jesus. The other Gospels tell the stories of Jesus that leave people asking, “Who is this man, that the wind and the sea obey him?” But in the Gospel of John, there is no doubt about who Jesus is because He tells us. He makes a series of “I Am” statements. Around people who are chronically unsatisfied with life, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry.”(6:35) Surrounded by grief stricken people, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life, those who believe in me, even though they die, they will live.”(11:25) Around people who lived disconnected and purposeless lives, He said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” (15:5) To those who were living in the darkness of sin, shame, pain, guilt, brokenness, and despair, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (8:12) With Jesus remember, that no matter how dark it may get, the darkness does not win.
– Dr. Tim Thompson