The Gospel of John gives me a great outline to interpret the statement “Jesus Christ is Lord”. The eight “I am” statements defines the who, what, and why of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Each statement in itself builds upon the others to give us a great inside view of Jesus
Jesus said, “I am the Bread of life”. With this statement Jesus is declaring that He is the source, the sustainer, and satisfier of life. When we see Jesus Christ as our Lord we have all we need in this life.
Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world”. Recognizing Jesus as our Light gives us a great view of who we are and to whom we belong. Hope comes about where at first only despair was found. Finally, when we see Jesus as the Light, we recognize a new direction in our lives.
Jesus said, “I am the Door”. This scripture is very significant in my understanding of “Jesus Christ is Lord”. A door is used for exiting and entering. Therefore, Jesus represents the way of entry into the promise of eternal life.
Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd”. This statement is crucial to understanding Jesus’ caring character. It is this caring character that makes Jesus Lord.
Jesus said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life”. This statement is powerful for the believer. This statement conquers death for the believer. This statement extends the promise of eternal life to all who would recognize and profess Jesus Christ is Lord.
Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” This statement is most important for my understanding and interpretation of “Jesus Christ is Lord” Jesus proclaims that he controls the way to God. Jesus proclaims the truth about the way to heaven. Like the previous statement, this statement conquers death for the believer and extends the promise of eternal life.
Jesus said, “I am the True Vine”. The illustration that this statement gives is a powerful witness to all persons. In this statement, Jesus reveals our relational position. Without Jesus, nothing is possible, but with Jesus, all things are possible.
Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega”. In this statement we realize that Jesus is the incarnation of God. Jesus Christ is Lord. Jesus is the Creator and the Finisher. Jesus is the one which is, which was, and the one to come.
