Series: Committed 
Message: Authenticity 
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 63:9-11.

Read: John 8:12-30 (ESV). Re-read in the English Standard Version for new insights/questions.  

Reflect: Kenneth E. Bailey. Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels (Kindle Locations 2462-2466). Kindle Edition. 
THE SURPRISE OF THE FIRST 
“I AM” Jesus said to her, “I that am talking to you, I AM.” (Jn 4:26, my translation) The phrase "I AM" that appears here in the Greek text of John is the exact phrase that is used in the Greek Old Testament to translate the Hebrew of what God said to Moses at the burning bush. Moses asked who was speaking to him and the voice from the bush said, “I AM.”
The Gospel of John records a list of “I AM” sayings, as they are called. The list includes: 

• I Am the bread of life. 
• I Am the light of the world. 
• I Am the door. 
• I Am the good shepherd. 
• I Am the resurrection and the life.
• I Am the true and living way. 
• I Am the vine. 

Amazingly, this famous series opens with the self-revelation to the Samaritan woman. The psalmist wrote, “Say to my soul, ‘I am your salvation’” (Ps 35:3 NRSV). William Temple observes, “That is the assurance that we need: that He with whom we know we have dealings is none other than the eternal God. If my soul can hear that word, then it can rest. . . . I need the divine assurance of the divine love.”

Recalibrate: ​ 

1. What do you think took place at this point to cause to Jesus to share a “I Am” statement?
2. Do you believe that the “I Am” of the first testament talking to Moses is the same “I Am” talking to the leaders in this passage?

Respond: Pray for an appreciation for God’s consistency in your life.

Research: Read chapters 7-12 of the book Steps to Christ by Ellen White.