ARTICLE – Answering Human Longings with Divine Truth

August 6, 2025 by Pierre-Alain Giffard News, Recommended Texts

The words of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament, are not simply historical records or ethical teachings—they are living, powerful declarations that unveil God’s nature, offer salvation, and directly meet the deepest longings of the human soul. These statements provide a rich framework for sharing the Good News and engaging with the spiritual and emotional needs of all people. They can also be memorized and shared thoughtfully to meet the specific needs discovered through listening with compassion.

The Good News is the core message of Christianity: that God, through Jesus Christ, has acted to redeem humanity. It centers on Jesus’ sacrificial death, victorious resurrection, and the establishment of His eternal Kingdom. This message offers more than a promise of future bliss—it delivers present transformation, a renewed identity, and a relationship with God.

Jesus’ “I Am” statements are key to proclaiming the Gospel because each reveals a part of His divine identity and addresses a specific human need:

“I Am the Bread of Life” speaks to the deep spiritual hunger people experience. Only Jesus can provide lasting satisfaction and nourish the soul with eternal life.
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35)

“I Am the Light of the World” answers humanity’s need for truth and direction in a morally dark and confusing world. He brings clarity and hope.
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

“I Am the Door” emphasizes Jesus as the only way to salvation and safety. He welcomes those who feel lost, excluded, or spiritually vulnerable.
“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)

“I Am the Good Shepherd” presents Jesus as the protector and guide who loves so deeply that He lays down His life for His sheep.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

“I Am the Resurrection and the Life” offers hope beyond death, promising resurrection and eternal life for those who believe.
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25)

“I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” powerfully asserts that Jesus is the exclusive path to God and the source of real, meaningful life.
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6)

“I Am the True Vine” reveals Jesus as the source of spiritual vitality. Just as a branch cannot live without the vine, our lives are fruitless without Him.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.” (John 15:1)

When sharing the Gospel, these statements can be powerful starting points. Rather than beginning with doctrine or debate, we can start with people’s needs—loneliness, anxiety, guilt, or the fear of death—and show how Jesus’ words directly address those realities. For instance, someone struggling with purposelessness can be introduced to Jesus as the Bread of Life, who offers deep fulfillment. A person overwhelmed by moral confusion can be shown Jesus as the Light of the World, who gives clear direction and truth. Jesus’ statements provide a bridge between a person’s personal struggles and the hope found in Him.

These words are filled with Spirit and are a source of Life. They invite people into more than just belief; they call for trust, connection, and discipleship. Jesus doesn’t just offer a solution—He offers Himself.

His teachings are not burdensome rules, but lifelines—truths that rescue us from despair, restore dignity, and anchor us in God’s love. The statements of Jesus are uniquely effective for announcing the Good News because they are spoken by the One who not only understands human need but has the divine power to meet it. Each of Jesus’ declarations provides a direct answer to what every person longs for: truth, love, peace, identity, and eternal life.

When sharing the Gospel, using Jesus’ own words—especially the “I Am” statements—offers a personal way to connect the truth of salvation with the real-life experiences of those we speak to. These words can be prayerfully memorized and lovingly shared in moments of need, making the message of Christ not just heard but felt. This approach allows us to respond directly to people’s hearts with the compassionate, healing truth of Jesus.

These statements are timeless and relevant, providing a framework to introduce others to the One who still says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Pierre-Alain Giffard
pierre.alain.giffard@gmail.com

Recommended books:

BOOK – Revive and Thrive: Transforming Parishes into Mission Driven Communities provides a blueprint to breathe new life into parish communities and engage in the core principles of evangelization and disciple-making.
BOOK – Your Faith Has Made You Well: Discovering God’s Power for Healing. A guide to unlocking a life of faith and confidence in God for healing.

Articles on evangelization and parish revitalization:

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