At 20,720 square kilometers, Israel is a tiny nation the size of the state of Johor in West Malaysia. Although it is a small country, it is huge in influence. The entire Old Testament is essentially a history of Israel. Almost the entire content of the four Gospels took place within the borders of Israel. More than 90 percent of the people portrayed in the Bible are Israelites. All 39 New Testament books were authored by Israelites. By being born a Jew, Jesus Christ is forever identified to the Jewish race. All 12 disciples were Jewish. Apostle Paul was Jewish. All except one of Paul’s co-workers were Jewish. Revelation 21 says that when we get to the New Jerusalem, even the gates of this heavenly city have the names of the 12 tribes of Israel inscribed on them.
However, because the Jews (1) have been separated from their land for almost 2,000 years, and (2) have been separated from their role as leaders in disseminating the gospel and building up the Church, many Christians today no longer associate the New Testament with the Jews. In fact, many ignorant Christians have even embraced “Replacement Theology,” which is the belief that the Church has replaced Israel in God’s plan of salvation. It is the belief that Israel is no longer God’s chosen people, because the Church now is. It teaches that God is no longer with Israel because they had rejected Christ as their Messiah.
To refute all that, Paul asks the rhetorical question: “Has God cast away His people- the Jews?” To that, he answered an emphatic “Certainly not! God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew” (Rom. 11:1-2). When God makes a covenant, it is everlasting. God can never forget His promises, His plans or His people. He will never forget His land, not forsake His city (Ps. 132:13-14). The children of Israel are God’s chosen people forever! Israel is God’s “prophetic clock.” By restoring the Jews to the land in 1948, God set the clock in motion once again. In Romans 11:15, Paul further reasons, “For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?”
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. John 10:11
Unique to the Gospel of John, there are seven “I am” pronouncements Jesus made to describe who He really is as our Savior. Here is the list:
(1) I am the bread of life (John 6:35). This is the first of the seven “I am” sayings of Jesus. There is an unmistakable parallel to God’s covenant name-Yahweh-by which He revealed Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14, “I AM WHO I AM.” Jesus made the pronouncement “I am the bread of life” three times (6:35, 48, 51). He is the real heavenly bread, the true life sustaining power. Anything else is an inadequate substitute.
(2) I am the light of the world (8:12). The world is in darkness apart from Christ. And as a follower of Jesus reflecting the light that comes from Him, you too are “the light to the world.”
(3) I am the gate for the sheep (10:7-9). The imagery contrasts Jesus’ protection of the sheep in the fold with all other false prophets past and present. Entering the sheepfold through Jesus is a saving action and provides the sheep with abundant life and provision.
(4) I am the good shepherd (10:11-14). The good shepherd is genuinely concerned for his sheep. He gives His life for His sheep. But to a hireling, his only interest is self-preservation.
(5) I am the resurrection and the life (11:25). More than giving resurrection and life, Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Final death is impossible with Him. Death will never triumph over those who believe in Him.
(6) I am the way and the truth and the life (14:6). Jesus is not one way among many, He is the only way to the Father. He is the truth about God and the very life of God. As such, He reveals truth to you and gives life to you.
(7) I am the true vine (15:1, 5). This seventh “I am” is the last self-designation in John’s Gospel. It describes the relationship between Jesus and His disciples. When you abide in Christ—the true vine—your prayers will be effective (15:7); you will glorify God in your fruit bearing (15:8); you will demonstrate your discipleship (15:8-10); and your joy becomes full through experiencing Christ’s own joy within you (15:11). Invite Jesus to become the “I am” of your life, your every moment, as He fills you with His presence.