• Reflect on the words Bearing Fruit. What does this look like in your life? What are some of the ways you “bear fruit” in your everyday life?

• How can you discern when you need to be “pruned” in your life? Can you think of a time you have felt you have been pruned. Did it lead to growth?

• Many versions of the Bible use the words “abide in me” instead of “remain in me” in these verses from John. Abiding in Christ is not simply “resting in Christ”, it is putting in the effort to maintain a relationship with Christ and setting aside time to be in His Word. Think of how you can create space in your life to abide with Christ.

Re-read John 10:1-17 and see which words or phrases stand out to you.

When Jesus says, “I am the Door,” he highlights that believing in Him leads to safety, provision, freedom and a fulfilling life with Him as our protector and guide. In what ways have you experienced the freedom and provision that come from entering through Jesus, the Door? What has it meant for you personally that Jesus is the Door for the sheep?

The same John who wrote the Gospel of John that contains the “I am” statements of Jesus wrote another book in the Bible called Revelation. In Revelation, John challenges us to reflect on a question: While Jesus’ door is wide open to you, how open is your door to Jesus? Is your door shut? Is it wide open? Or are you maybe halfway like the “lukewarm” Laodiceans in Revelation 3:14-20?

We walk through Jesus’ open door by faith. We open our door to Him by surrender. What areas of your life might be calling for surrender, to allow your heart to be more open to Jesus?

In verse 1-4, Jesus shares with His disciples that He is going to prepare a place for them (you) in His Father’s house. He then adds “You know the way to the place where I am going.” Reflect on the “place” Jesus is talking about, His Kingdom. The senses that the Lord created us with are not random, so engage them as you reflect. What does His Kingdom look like? What does it feel like? What does it smell like? What does it taste like? What do you hear? Is this a place worthy of knowing the “way” to?

In verse 6, Jesus claims to be the “way”? What does it mean that He is the way? What does He ask from you? Are you willing to respond to that ask?

Take a moment and reflect on question 2. What the “right answer” is or what others believe will not impact your actions when you are at your most vulnerable. Is the “way” worth it? Are you willing to say yes, knowing it means that you too will begin to lay down your life in the same way?

Verses 7-14 really can be scary and overwhelming. However, when you break it down, it is something you can do. What are some ways for you to show love and kindness to others? Who are some of the individuals that perhaps are being laid on your heart now?

• Do I have a sense that I am walking in the light or stumbling in the darkness? How can I expose myself to more “light” so I can see more clearly? Where in my schedule can I spend more time listening to and meditating on Jesus’ enlightening words?

• How do you find comfort and guidance from Jesus’ promise that those who follow Him will not walk in darkness?

• Reflect on John 9:4. Is there a sense of urgency to be about the Father’s work? Where do I see God working and how can I join Him in that work enlightening the lives of others?
  

View, download, or pick up a copy of the NEXT Vision Campaign Guidebook for additional devotional resources during this series.

• Like Mary, there are times when, in the midst of darkness and confusion, we may feel troubled because we can’t seem to find Jesus. Think back to a time when you were searching for Him. What was that experience like for you?

• Often, when we look back on an experience, we realize that Jesus was walking with us, even if we didn’t feel His presence in the moment. What are some experiences where you can now recognize that Jesus was with you?

• In what areas of your life do you long to see the “new creation” that Jesus promises?

• As you think about the NEXT campaign, consider why this declaration by Jesus is important. Is there a calling for you in response to these statements?

View, download, or pick up a copy of the NEXT Vision Campaign Guidebook for additional devotional resources during this series.

• What do you think the people were feeling when they shouted “Hosanna!” as Jesus entered Jerusalem?

• Jesus says, “I am the Bread of Life.” What do you think that means?

• What’s one way our family can “refocus” on Jesus this Holy Week?

View, download, or pick up a copy of the NEXT Vision Campaign Guidebook for additional devotional resources during this series.

Follow along with the I Am messages using the engagement resources found in the NEXT Vision Campaign Guidebook: weekly readings, daily prayer guide, plus additional tools for personal worship and engagement. You can grab a booklet on campus, view the booklet online, or download a PDF.

This week’s questions:

Reflect on the word Good. Do you believe God is Good? What are some memories in which you have encountered God’s goodness?

Reflect on the word Shepherd. If He is our Shepherd, what does it mean to know His voice? How can we learn to distinguish His voice above others?

If you combine the two words Good and Shepherd and apply them to Jesus, does that provide you comfort in life? Why or why not?

View, download, or pick up a copy of the NEXT Vision Campaign Guidebook for additional devotional resources during this series.

• Read John 11:17-27. How does the conversation between Jesus and Martha help us understand what Jesus meant when He said, "I am the resurrection and the life"? What do you think Martha expected from Jesus at that moment?

• Jesus doesn’t just say He gives resurrection but that He -is- the resurrection and the life. What does this tell us about His role in both physical and spiritual life? How does this change the way we think about eternal life?

• Martha believed in a future resurrection, but Jesus demonstrated His power in the present by raising Lazarus. How does this challenge or encourage your faith regarding God’s power in your life today?

• In verse 26, Jesus asks, "Do you believe this?" Why do you think belief in Jesus as the resurrection and life is central to the Christian faith? How does that belief shape the way we live now?

• How does Jesus being "the resurrection and the life" give you hope in difficult circumstances? How might this promise help you as you consider SomeONE in your life to build a relationship with and share the Good News so that they can know His hope and salvation too?