As we continue through Jesus’ I AM claims looking forward to Easter, today we hear him saying, “I AM the Vine.” This claim is not simply about Jesus’ identity, but also our vital relationship with him. We are the branches, he says, and apart from him we can do nothing. Fruitfulness is the goal of our lives, and God is focused on making that happen through pruning us and connecting us to Christ. May we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to being connected to Christ in order to bear fruit, which Jesus says “is to my Father’s glory.”

On the night Jesus was arrested, he explained what was about to happen and comforted and encouraged the disciples. Into their anguish about not knowing where Jesus was going, Jesus spoke the I AM statement that most illuminated his divine identity and purpose: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” May we see Jesus as more than someone simply pointing out the way, truth and life; may we instead embrace him as the only and complete way, truth and life.

As we continue to walk through Jesus’ seven “I AM” claims in the Gospel of John, this week we listen to Jesus say, “I AM the gate for the sheep.” We, the sheep, will explore what it means that Jesus is the only gate, that he is the gate through which we can go in and out from “pen to pasture,” and that Jesus the Gate opens our lives to their fullest potential and best blessings. May we recognize Jesus’ voice this morning and follow him.

The day after Jesus miraculously feeds 5000 people, they come back looking for more miracle bread. When Jesus responds, "I am the bread of life," the crowd finds that bread hard to swallow. As Jesus pushes them further, they find the Bread of Life hard to follow, and many of his disciples leave. Are we willing to accept all of Jesus and metabolize him into every part of our lives? May we joyfully feast on the Bread of Life.