Unusual Names Leader Guide

The first two times Jesus says “I am,” no predicate nominative follows. Remember seventh-grade English class: a predicative nominative is a noun that follows a linking verb. The first time, he says “I Am–the one who speaks with you” to the woman at the well. The second time, he says “I Am. Don’t be afraid” to the disciples. In both cases the words stands alone: I AM. These statements are declarations of God’s very being, and they appear several more times over the course of the Gospel. A broader statement cannot be made. “I AM” is as close as language can get to universality and eternity. One of the markers of this revelation is a second kind of “I am” statement. This second kind takes a piece of the great “I AM” and fills in the blank that our sense of curiosity wills to be there. When Jesus says, “I am the bread/light/shepherd/vine/___,” he is comparing himself to those things. In these “I am ________” statements, Jesus discloses a piece of his divine identity, enough for us to hear, swallow, and digest over the course of a lifetime.

Session 1 – I Am the Bread of Life. Nourished to Be Nourishment.
Session 2 – I Am the Light of the World. Turning to the Light.
Session 3 – I Am the Good Shepherd. Cast Out of Complacency.
Session 4 – I Am the Vine. Connecting the Branches.

Each session begins with an opening prayer, followed by the text of the day being read aloud. The group will enjoy a 5–7-minute video where Adam shares his thought on the Scripture and its “unusual” focus. The group will discuss the readings for the day then close with prayer.

The new and exciting aspect of this particular Bible study series is the blending of traditional weekly Sunday school with modern, daily-delivered digital content, which will keep readers connected with the material throughout the week. Between the daily communication and the group gatherings, participants will immerse themselves in the Good News.

The emails that accompany this study are crucial to the small-group experience and leaders should notify small-group members to subscribe for their emails at least 1–2 days in advance of the first gathering.