Who Do You Say I Am?

By: Donna Winchell

 

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” – “behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!” (John 1:14, 29).

I have come to realize that when a song gets stuck in my head, it excites my brain into giving it full attention. For the past 3 months, I have been listening to various renditions of the song “Mary Did You Know”, contemplating and reflecting on the lyrics. God’s design for our lives often includes symbolism as ways for us to unite our hearts and minds; and there is no denying God as Creator and why His Son came to earth. I think the last two lines in this beautiful song are especially worth focusing on during Lent. 

“Did you know that your baby boy is Heaven's perfect Lamb?

That sleeping child you're holding is the Great I Am” 

These lyrics are a powerful reminder for us that Jesus is the perfect Lamb that takes away the sins of the world and saves all who call on His name. Throughout scripture we are provided with many lessons from Jesus including His “I Am” statements found in the Gospel of John. These statements are a continuation of what God told Moses in Exodus 3:14 “God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” 

Jesus’ metaphorical “I Am” statements often complemented His miracles and were intended to give the miracles meaning, demonstrating His teachings. They illustrate lessons for us with comparisons. With these statements, we are invited into a relationship with Jesus as He solidifies Himself as fully God and fully man, showing us both the personal and the eternal nature of God. Jesus uses this figurative language and interjects wisdom with these metaphors to help us better understand His character. He tells us……“I Am”..…….the Bread of Life (John 6:35), the Light of the World (John 8:12), the Door (John 10:7), the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25), the Way the Truth and the Life (John 14:6) and the Vine (John 15:5). 

Jesus is our Sustainer giving us what we need and supporting us spiritually as the means in which to gain eternal life. He is the Illuminator bringing the energy of light into our dark world banishing the darkness as He guides us. He is our Protector and the way to salvation – there is no other door to eternal life except through Him; since doors that exclude Jesus are established by the evil one. Jesus is our Caretaker watching over us, willing to lay down His life for us, but it is imperative that we are known by Him. He is our Life-giver bringing us from death into eternal life. He is our Truth & Way guiding us through life’s difficulties; the only way to the Father. And Jesus is the True Source of Life for all believers as we abide and remain rooted and connected to Him. 

Imagine Jesus asking you the question this Lent “Who do you say I am?” (Mark 8:29). What feelings or thoughts arise within you as you ponder His question? What qualities of Jesus are you drawn to and need at this stage of your life? What emotions are you feeling right now? How are you connecting with Him? Open up and share your feelings. Jesus, the “I Am” – we need Him in so many ways, and He is always ready to be whatever we need Him to be in our lives. 

Following are a few questions you might want to use for reflection:

* Do you think that Jesus, the bread of life, can truly satisfy you? How? 

* Is your relation with Jesus a door to opportunity or a closed door blocking you from what you desire. Why? 

* What are some practices that help you maintain your connection to Jesus? What other things can you add? 

Jesus is our Savior –  the Great I Am – the Messiah-God in human form – our self-sustaining God who is, and who was, and who is to come. 

Let’s Pray: Lord Jesus, We pray that You will meet each of our individual needs today. Shine Your light and dispel any darkness in our souls. Shelter and protect us from anything that You have not approved; lead us, guide us and drive away the many distractions in our lives that keep us from being centered on You. Jesus, help us to know you more intimately this season, love You more intensely and follow You more closely. Amen