”The Gospel of John” by Barrett Hammer - Part 13

November 30, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

This episode is the final class of the quarter and a wrap-up of a multi-week study of the Gospel of John, focusing on the remaining "I AM" statements. The instructor leads the group through extended readings and discussion from John 10, 11, 14, and 15, explores Old Testament echoes (Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34, Jeremiah 23, Isaiah, Micah, Exodus), and highlights John’s stated purpose in John 20:30–31: that readers may believe Jesus is the Christ and have life in his name.

Topics covered include: "I am the Good Shepherd" (John 10) — Jesus’ sacrificial care, contrast with hirelings, intimate knowledge of his sheep, protection and provision; "I am the Resurrection and the Life" (John 11) — power over death, hope beyond the grave, and comfort in loss; "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14) — Jesus as exclusive access to the Father, truth as the foundation for the path, and life as the goal; and "I am the True Vine" (John 15) — abiding in Christ, pruning, bearing fruit, and dependence on the vine for spiritual vitality.

The class includes interactive dialogue with students, practical applications, and short teaching moments: why Jesus uses Old Testament imagery, how knowing the flock shapes ministry and relationships, the need to follow and bring others into the fold, and how trust in the resurrection eases anxiety about death and loss.

Key takeaways: Jesus’ "I AM" sayings repeatedly point to his deity and his unique role as shepherd, savior, guide, and life-giver; faith here is presented as trust grounded in signs and witness rather than blind belief; abiding in Christ is essential for fruitfulness and growth; Christian discipleship requires intentional relationship-building (knowing the flock) and witness to others. The instructor also reflects on John’s deliberate repetition and selection of signs as a method for deepening faith and encouraging lifelong study.

This is a classroom conversation rich with questions, anecdotes (including a youth’s perceptive remark and a brief sports anecdote about repetition), and pastoral application intended to help listeners expect thoughtful exposition, biblical connections, and practical steps for following Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

 

Duration 41:52