0161. 158. Christ’s “I Give’s” in John

158. Christ’s “I Give’s” in John

The Greek word didomi, coupled with the personal pronoun “I” in the following passages in John’s Gospel, is rendered “will give,” “have given,” and “shall give.” The word means to give freely, ungrudgingly, and unforced.

1. The Living Water. “The water that I shall give” (Joh_4:14). Living, leaping, loving, lifting, lasting, fructifying, and satisfying is this water.

2. The Satisfying Bread. “Bread that I will give” (Joh_6:51). Bruised in death, beneficent in feeding, real in substance, and holy in character is this bread.

3. The Eternal Life. “I give unto them eternal life” (Joh_10:28). The life is the nature of Him who is Love, and must be eternal in duration.

4. The Worthy Example. “I have given you an example” (Joh_13:15). He is the Pattern for our imitation and the Power to imitate the Pattern.

5. The New Commandment. “A new commandment I give” (Joh_13:34). Grace lifts to higher ground than law, and enjoins greater responsibility.

6. The “My Peace.” “My peace I give unto you” (Joh_14:27).

The peace He leaves is the legacy of the dying man, the peace He gives is the gift of the Living Lord.

7. The “Given Words.” “I have given unto them the words… Thy Word” (Joh_17:14). The words give in detail what is found in the Word. The Word is love’s revelation, faith’s foundation, hope’s life, the servant’s authority, the saint’s sanctifier, the pilgrim’s cordial, the Lord’s promise, and the believer’s rule.

8. The Bestowed Glory. “The glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them” (Joh_17:22). The Son’s givings are the passings on from the Father.

By: DR. F. E. MARSH