Sermon Notes

It was time for the Feast of Tabernacles to come to an end, an eight daylong celebration remembering the provisions of God for the Jews as they wandered through the wilderness. At the close of the celebration, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). This is one of Jesus’ 7 “I Am” statements in John’s gospel.

7 “I Am” statements in John:
“I am the bread of life” (6:35)
“I am the light of the world” (8:12)
“I am the door of the sheep” (10:7)
“I am the good shepherd” (10:11)
“I am the resurrection of life (10:25)
“I am the way, truth, and life” (14:6)
“I am the true vine” (15:1)
With each statement, Jesus was declaring His identity to everyone, believers and non-believers alike. Jesus never questioned His identity, but He was surrounded by those who doubted Him.
Identity matters, but our culture is suffering from an identity crisis. Even among professing Christians, identity seems to be merely words rather than functionality. Today, I want to challenge you to know your identity and live it out every day. Remember this:

IDENTITY + FUNCTIONALITY = INFLUENCE

Jesus identified as the Bread of Life and He proved it through the functionality of feeding 15 –20,000 people with a boy’s sack lunch. Therefore, His influence spread.
What about you? What are you claiming? How do you function? What influence are you offering?

I’m praying for you!
Bro. Joey