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'I Am' -- Christ's claim of divinity
The "I Am" statements are Christ's own testimony of his divinity according to the Rev. Dr. Jeff Thurman, pastor at Memorial United Methodist Church.
"John's gospel is a favorite of many, revealing the depth of Christ's character and love" said Thurman. He explained that the gospel is written similarly to a legal brief, offering testimony from a variety of sources. Seven miracles or signs are recorded in John's gospel, eyewitness testimony is shared and the I Am statements from Jesus himself, all point to the expressed purpose of the gospel, recorded in John 20:31. "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in his name."
Thurman addressed a community congregation of more than 180 Friday afternoon during the weekly Community Lenten Service at First Congregational Church.
Thurman recounted two of the miraculous signs; the changing of water into wine at a wedding in Cana and the raising of Lazarus from the dead. In both instances, Thurman noted, the abundance and the quality of the miracles take the reader beyond the supernatural and introduce the message of abundance.
"It wasn't just to prove that Jesus had the supernatural power to do these things," Thurman elaborated. "The abundance and the quality of the wine, for instance, speaks to the abundance and the quality of life found in the Kingdom of Heaven."
In raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus proved his power over death, Thurman pointed out. That power extended, not only to Lazarus, but to each one who believes and even to Christ's power over his own death.
Looking at two examples of eyewitness testimony, Thurman shared the stories of Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman at the well.
Nicodemus learned that he must "be born again" and the woman learned that those who would worship God must "worship in spirit and in truth."
The testimony recorded in John continues with the seven "I Am" statements made by Christ himself about himself.
"This is the same 'I Am' that answered Moses at the burning bush," said Thurman. In this passage, recorded in Exodus 3:14, Moses asked who he should say sent him, and God responded, "This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I Am has sent me to you.'"
Turning to John's gospel, recorded at John 10:7-10, Thurman notes the abundant promise found in the I Am statement. "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." (John 10:9, 10) "This gate is a gate of protection and a gate to life, abundant life," said Thurman. The gate serves as a protector against the thieves who seek to break in, steal, and destroy and as a pathway to a life of abundance, lived in Jesus. Just as the "I Am the Bread of Life" gives sustenance to the believer and the "I Am the Light of the World," illuminates the path of the believer, the "I Am the Gate," opens the illuminated path.
Thurman also noted the protection of the gate. In Jesus' time, he shared, it wasn't uncommon for the shepherd to lie down across the entrance to a fold or a cave, in effect, serving as the gate. In this way, the shepherd knew who went out and who went in, and, with his own body, guarded against thieves who would break in, steal and destroy.
"When Jesus laid down his life on the cross, he opened the gate to salvation and abundant life. A life of purpose. A meaningful life. He also erected the gate of protection against those false teachings that would destroy life."
At both previous Lenten services, Thurman noted, challenges were issued. On March 7, the Rev. Charles Hooton challenged the congregation to take Christ in by receiving the bread of life and the Rev. Gary Brethour challenged those in attendance March 14 to allow Jesus to light their life paths.
"I challenge you today, to step through the gate and receive abundant life," said Thurman, adding in prayer that any who had not received Jesus would, "walk through the gate and receive the abundant life intended for them in Jesus."
The Rev. Charles Hooton served as worship leader, Joyce Hershberger was the organist and Jodi Sheets of McCook Christian Church offered special music, singing a song of discovery and hope in asking and answering "Are you the Holy One, sent by God?"
The Lenten series continues Friday, 12:05 p.m., at First Congregational Church with Pastor Allen Wilkerson of the Church of Christ continuing with "I Am the Good Shepherd."
Free will offerings for the work of the Red Willow County Ministerial Association are accepted in collection plates at the entry to the sanctuary.
A free will offering is also accepted at the meal that immediately follows the message, to offset the cost of the food.