John 7-9: In our passages today Jesus used three terms to define Himself.
I am Living water is how Jesus defines Himself. The festival of booths that the Jewish people were celebrating commemorated when Israel came out of bondage in Egypt. The people lived in tents during their wilderness wandering. The booths they lived in during the festival reminded them of God’s presence and provision during their wandering days. During that time God provided them water in the wilderness thus water is a portion of their commemoration. Jesus took that water and said to them He was the Living Water that if they came to Him they would never thirst again. He would fill them. He would protect, provide and be with them just as God was with them in the wilderness.
I am the Light of the World is another way Jesus defined Himself. He wanted them to know in the darkness that surrounded them if they followed Him they would have the Light of Life. Jesus alone illuminates the path that keeps of us sin, death, and the evil of darkness. Light is the only thing that dispels darkness and Jesus alone could and would save them. He alone sets them free! He whom the Son sets free is free indeed!
The last name Jesus gave was I am. He says it like this,
John 8:58Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” Of all of the other names we see Jesus defining Himself as none is more pointed to align Him directly with God than I Am. This is who God told Moses He was when He called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. Moses asks who shall I say sent me? God said tell them I Am sent you. God then defines Himself as I Am that I Am meaning God is whatever and whoever we should ever need. He is the full sufficiency to fulfill all of our needs. Jesus is saying the same here. He is I AM.
Wow! That should be such an encouragement to us. That God is our provision, protection, His presence is with us, He lights our path to show us where to go and how and He is all we will ever need. My friend, that is great news for us today in every area and walk of life. If you have never believed and received Him, today is a great day to start! If you have believed Him for some time now it is a great day to remember exactly who you have faith in!!!!