It’s a good Friday because HE IS...

I used to wonder why crucifixion day was called Good Friday. Shouldn’t it be Bad Friday—the day man tried to kill God?

Although the historical origins of Good aren’t definitive (theories abound), Good has stuck because Christ’s willingness to die for us was the best thing that ever happened to us.

Not only is that Good, it’s Great!

I’ve been in a ladies’ class taught by my wonderful friend Selwyn on the I AM statements of Jesus. This week we wrapped it up.

Here are five of the very good things about Jesus we talked about and pictures of take-homes Selwyn gave us each week!

1. I AM the door

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
John 10:9

Walking from one place to a better one—from one life to another—is possible only because he did it first. And it’s not something we have to wait for—salvation and pasture are here now and even more later. Because there’s a door. Jesus is the door.

2. I AM the good shepherd

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.
John 10:14

The best shepherd takes ultimate responsibility for his sheep. Even if it costs him his life. And it did—proof that he’s watching out for us, and that following him is the safest place we can be.

3. I AM the resurrection

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
John 11:25

Jesus not only was resurrected himself and not only will resurrect us after our physical deaths, he resurrects us now. Daily. As we die to self, he breathes life in us for him. He’s not here just to bring resurrection; he IS the resurrection. I’m still pondering the depths of this one.

4. I AM the way

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6

I feel somewhat adrift at the fork in the road I’ve found myself in. But because Jesus is the way, I don’t have to worry about knowing the whole road, I can take one step at a time with him, in him. He’s not just showing me the way (although he will), but he IS the way. What confidence that can give us!

5. I AM the vine

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

I’m always striving to be more aware of this one, more intentional about how dependent I am on him. With him, I can do everything that matters. Without him, I can do nothing that counts.

At the end of this study, I’m more appreciative of who Jesus IS, not just what he’s done. But because of who he is, he did the ultimate for us. How can I not say thank you?

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There are more I AM statements. Do you have a favorite?

May your Easter be blessed by rich moments with Jesus—our door, shepherd, resurrection, way and vine. Our very life!