The “I AM” statements of Jesus are some of the most pivotal moments of His earthly ministry. The book of John has one goal: that the world would believe Jesus is the Christ. Our identity determines how we live our lives. This series will paint a vibrant picture of the importance of finding our identity in Christ. This series is going to take an intentional look into the identity of Jesus. I AM will help students understand the heartbeat of Jesus and how they can be changed by His love.
Week 1 – “Hunger for Jesus” (Bread of Life)
The Word: John 6:1-15, 24-40.
Main Thought: We all have a spiritual hunger that only Jesus satisfies
Week 2 – “Flip the Switch” (Light of the world)
The Word: John 8:12-20
Main Thought: Jesus is the light of the world and is to be taken to the nations. The light of Jesus promises you will never have to walk in darkness
Week 3 – “The Good Shepherd”
The Word: John 10:11-18
Main Thought: Security comes through a relationship with Jesus
Week 4 – “Resurrection and Life”
The Word: John 11:17-27, 28-35, 41-44.
Main Thought: Jesus’ resurrection reveals hope eternally and in everyday pain.
Week 5 – “Way-Truth-Life”
The Word: John 14:1-14
Main Thought: Jesus is the only way to salvation.
Week 6 – “The Vine"
John 15
Main Thought: Growth happens when we remain in Christ.
Current Series: "I AM: changes who I am"Title: Week 1 – "Hunger for Jesus"
Main Thought: We all have a spiritual hunger that only Jesus satisfies.Scripture: John 6:28-35
Message explanation:People were "in search of Jesus" in John 6 because of what He could do for them. Some were coming because they heard about the feeding of the 5,000 plus on the mountainside. The "Free lunch bunch" were following Him because of what they could GET from Him.
In John 6:26-27 Jesus says,“I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. 27 But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”
- Jesus Christ reveals that He is more necessary for life than food.
- Just as the Father sent the bread to care for the basic needs of His people in Exodus, He has now sent His Son, the Bread of Life, to care for the ultimate needs of the world.
In Matthew 5:6 Jesus said, "blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled."
Once he changes you, your appetite changes for Him and you will be filled.
Jesus continues 28 They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?” 29 Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” 30 They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? 31 After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. 33 The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”John 6:28-33.
Miracles or living off of the next spiritual high does not produce last faith. Why are you following Jesus?
To receive the gifts of Jesus but refuse to follow (v. 26)Jesus is not interested in your hand; He wants your heart. Are we seeking His hand, or are we seeking His face?
To receive Jesus and follow Him (v.28)
Do you follow Christ because of what He does for you or for Who He is?
Jesus is the only person who can fill our spiritual emptiness.
” 34 “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.” 35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:34-35.
We have to realize that:
1.. Jesus CHRIST is LIFE
2. Jesus CHRIST in you is LIFE
Bread starts as a seed that is planted in the ground. It grows to maturity and is cut down, ground up, put in the oven and comes out and nourishes our lives.
The same is true with Jesus. He grew to maturity and was cut down and nailed to the cross. He was ground up by being spat upon, mocked, cursed, and beaten. He was placed in the earth and then came out of the earth to give us the opportunity to enjoy a relationship with Him forever!
At the end of the chapter, Peter answers Jesus, “Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. 69 We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”John 6:68-69
Where else can we go?
Jesus satisfies our hunger and thirst for righteousness. He is our Bread of Life.
Element of Fun: Students made a video to promote Decrease weekend!
Music: Go, Here for You, Forever Reign, Revelation Song, Hungry (closing)
Favorite Moment: Students coming early to pray for the night and building a creative team of students who are passionate about using their gifts for Christ!
What’s Next: We continue the "I AM" series into John 8:12. We will discover the next statement of Jesus' identity as the light of the world. We will be talking about the light of Christ defeats darkness and is to be shown to the world.
Current Series: "I AM: changes who I am"Title: Week 1 – "Hunger for Jesus"
Main Thought: We all have a spiritual hunger that only Jesus satisfies.
Scripture: John 6:28-35