“… Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Jesus is offering satisfaction on the deepest level; a solution to the deepest need of humankind. There are many impressive obstacles which humanity has overcome, but one which it can never: death. Jesus says “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51)

“… Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Death and darkness is our natural destination because of our brokenness and self-centredness, but Jesus’ invitation to eternal life is an invitation out of darkness into light. Speaking to those who opposed these words, Jesus said “if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.” (John 8:24)

“… whoever enters through me will be saved … I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Belief in Jesus may seem like a narrow doorway, but he promises that what waits on the other side is not, as some think, a life of narrow rigidity, but “life to the full”. What life could be more filled with joy and abundant goodness than a life lived in harmony with the designer and sustainer of life itself!

“… the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” This is just one of many occasions where Jesus predicts his extraordinary death* and highlights it as the means by which the power of human sin and death are defeated for those “sheep” who listen to his voice and follow him.

“… Anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die.” Jesus’ bold statements about eternal life and having authority over death are proved by his actions. His statement here from John 11 is followed by one of his most astounding miracles: the raising of Lazarus back to life. How can Jesus do this? Lazarus’ sister sums it up for us in her response to Jesus: “I believe that you are the Christ**, the Son of God.” (John 11:27) If the testimony of Lazarus and his sister were not enough, Jesus’ finally demonstrates this by his own resurrection, three days after his execution (see John 20), which we celebrate every Easter.

“… No-one comes to the Father except through me.” Our society tells us that we are all free to determine our own path in life. Claims to authority or truth attract criticism, especially where those claims seem to limit individual liberty. In contrast, Jesus is clear that there is only one way be in a right relationship with our maker, and that is through him. True freedom, real joy and certain hope start with surrendering our ‘right’ to determine our own way and our own truth, and submitting to the one who is truth.

“… you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Following Jesus is not just an intellectual decision; it is the start of a relationship. After Jesus rose from the dead he ascended to heaven, promising to send his Spirit to help his followers to know him and to live for him. A life filled with the Holy Spirit is a life of intimacy with God, as a vine is intimately related to its branches. And it is a life which is fruitful, as Jesus works through his followers to bless the world and call others to follow him.