I AM — Portugal

What if we didn’t simply study the words of Jesus—but traveled through them?

Scripture offers moments when Jesus answers one of humanity’s most profound questions: Who are You?

His answers are among the most recognizable words in the Bible.

I am the Bread of Life.
I am the Light of the World.
I am the Door.
I am the Good Shepherd.
I am the Resurrection and the Life.
I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
I am the True Vine.

With I AM — Portugal, we are exploring the possibility of turning those words into a journey.

Not a traditional religious tour. Not a succession of churches, monuments, and lectures. And certainly not an attempt to recreate biblical Israel in another country.

Instead, we are asking a different question:

Could Portugal become a living classroom for discovering who Jesus says He is?

A Journey Through the “I AM” Statements of Jesus

Portugal gives us an extraordinary canvas.

In Porto, where bread remains part of the rhythm of everyday Portuguese life, we can begin with “I am the Bread of Life.” Around a table, perhaps with a baker or local family, bread becomes more than food. It becomes conversation about sustenance, dependence, hospitality, and what truly feeds us.

From there, the journey could move into the Douro Valley, where light transforms steep, vineyard-covered hillsides. Here we explore “I am the Light of the World” while experiencing a landscape shaped by generations of human hands.

In Óbidos, its walls, gates, and narrow passages offer an intriguing setting for “I am the Door.” What does it mean to enter? To be welcomed? To discover that a doorway can represent both invitation and decision?

Portugal’s countryside gives us another possibility.

Among shepherding traditions and rural communities, “I am the Good Shepherd” moves beyond metaphor. We can meet people whose lives remain connected to livestock, land, responsibility, and care—giving new texture to words written two thousand years ago.

In Évora, surrounded by layers of Roman, medieval, and Christian history, we contemplate “I am the Resurrection and the Life.” The city reminds us that civilizations rise and fall, generations come and go, yet questions of life, death, meaning, and eternity remain.

Eventually, the road brings us to Lisbon.

For centuries, people departed from Portugal’s shores without knowing exactly what waited beyond the horizon. Against that history of departure, discovery, uncertainty, and courage, we encounter perhaps the most encompassing declaration: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

And then there is the vine.

Around Sintra and Colares, one of Portugal’s historic wine landscapes gives us a remarkable place to explore “I am the True Vine.” Walking among vines, meeting growers, tasting wine, and learning how vines are tended gives you a chance to think differently about abiding, pruning, fruitfulness, and connection.

We Are Still Exploring

That is exactly where I AM — Portugal stands today.

We know the biblical framework. We see the possibilities. Now we are searching for the people and places that can bring the life journey to life.

We are looking for the shepherd who can explain what caring for a flock actually requires. The baker willing to welcome us behind the counter. The winemaker who understands that a vineyard is as much an inheritance as agriculture. The historian who can reveal layers we would otherwise walk past. The pastor, theologian, artisan, farmer, chef, and local storyteller who can add another dimension to the experience.

Portugal already possesses a remarkable tradition of spiritual journeys. Pilgrimage routes cross the country toward Fátima and Santiago, while centuries of Christian and Jewish history remain visible in its cities and villages. But I AM — Portugal will follow its own path.

This journey isn’t about checking religious landmarks off a list.

It is about slowing down.

Listening.

Sharing meals.

Walking landscapes.

Opening Scripture.

Asking questions.

And allowing ancient words to become unexpectedly tangible.

We don’t know every stop yet.

We don’t know everyone we’ll meet.

That’s what makes this stage exciting.

I AM — Portugal is being explored.

And somewhere along the road, we may discover that the most important question isn’t simply Where are we going?

It is:

Who is He?