I Am

Discovering Who Jesus Is

Douglas Connelly

• Publisher: IVP Bible Studies
• Year: 2012
• Print ISBN: 9780830831333
• eBook ISBN: 9780830862771
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Biblical Studies

In eight studies, Douglas Connelly looks at the "I Am" statements of Jesus.

In the midst of friends' grief, a crowd's hunger and followers' fear, Jesus made some bold claims: "I am the Resurrection." "I am the Bread of Life." "I am the Way." His claims are still true in our grief, fear and uncertainty. This eight-session LifeGuide® Bible studies helps us see Jesus more clearly and live with hope and confidence because of who he is.

For over three decades LifeGuide Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions—making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 130 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies.

1

I Am He

Salvation

John 4:1-26

“Do you know anything about the Bible?” I was browsing the religion section of the local bookstore, and a woman of Middle Eastern descent startled me with her question. “There are so many Bibles here,” she said, “and I don’t know which one to choose.”

 

I asked a few questions and made a couple recommendations. When she walked away with her new Bible, she smiled and thanked me for helping her. “American men,” she whispered, “are not usually so polite.”

 

Her words still ring in my mind. I wonder how often she has been scorned or ignored. I wonder if any Christians have crossed the path of her life and how they have treated her.

 

GROUP DISCUSSION. How do you respond when someone speaks to you unexpectedly? Share a story if you have one.

PERSONAL REFLECTION. What kind of person are you reluctant or afraid to speak to? What factors make you hesitant?

Jesus made some amazing claims about himself—and often to the most unexpected people! In John 4 Jesus reveals himself as the source of eternal life to a woman no one else would talk to. Read John 4:1-26.

1. The Jewish people of Jesus’ day despised the Samaritans (and the Samaritans returned the favor). Trying to think from that cultural background, how would you feel upon hearing that Jesus had decided to go through Samaria rather than taking the longer, but more acceptable, way around the territory?

2. What barriers is Jesus willing to overcome in order to have a conversation with the Samaritan woman?

3. What barriers hinder Christians today from engaging others in conversation about Jesus?

4. What does Jesus mean when he offers her “living water” (vv. 10, 13-14)?

What does the woman think Jesus means (vv. 11-12, 15)?

5. Why does Jesus bring up the woman’s past marriages and present adulterous relationship (vv. 16-18)?

6. Why do you think the woman makes the comments in verses 19-20?

How does Jesus respond (vv. 21-24)?

7. What does it mean to worship God “in spirit and in truth” (vv. 23-24)?

8. In verses 25 and 26 Jesus clearly claims to be the Messiah, the deliverer God had promised to send. Imagine the look on the woman’s face when she hears his words. Do you think she is surprised or skeptical, and why?

9. What does Jesus’ offer of living water mean in your life and spiritual experience?

Identify any fears or prejudices that may keep you from talking to other people about Jesus. Ask God to give you the courage to overcome those barriers.

Now or Later

What would Jesus talk with you about if you had a quiet lunch together? In a journal or the space here, formulate two or three issues that you think Jesus might want to address.

How would you respond—by changing the subject or by receiving his grace? Prayerfully talk over those issues with Jesus. Listen for his response.

2

I Am the Bread of Life

Survival

John 6:25-51

We love to eat—on holidays we do it all day long! The people in Jesus’ day loved to eat as well. The one fact about eating that we learn very quickly is that, even if we eat until we are full, a fe...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Contents
• Getting the Most Out of I AM
• 1 I Am He: Salvation (John 4:1-26)
• 2 I Am the Bread of Life: Survival (John 6:25-51)
• 3 I Am the Light: Direction (John 8:12-30)
• 4 I Am the Good Shepherd: Security (John 10:1-21)
• 5 I Am the Resurrection: Eternity (John 11:1-27)
• 6 I Am the Way: Peace (John 14:1-14)
• 7 I Am the True Vine: Purpose (John 15:1-8)
• 8 I Am the Alpha and Omega: Confidence (Revelation 1:8; 22:12-16)
• Leader’s Notes
• What Should We Study Next?
• About the Author
• More Titles from InterVarsity Press
• Copyright