Who is He? - Identity Confusion, Part 2
Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | April 28, 2024 | John 7:40-44
KEY VERSE:
Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “will the Christ come out of Galilee? John 7:41 (NKJV)
MESSAGE:
From our previous devotional reading, we encountered a scene where the people were uncertain about Jesus' true identity. Some speculate about his origins and question whether he could truly be the Messiah. This passage reflects a common human experience—identity confusion.
Just as the people in the crowd grappled with doubts and uncertainties about Jesus, we too may struggle with questions about our own identity. In a world filled with competing voices and influences, it's easy to lose sight of who we truly are. We may look to external factors such as career success, relationships, or material possessions to define us, only to find ourselves feeling lost and unfulfilled.
Yet, our true identity is found in Christ. As followers of Jesus, we are children of God, loved and cherished beyond measure. Our worth and value are not determined by worldly standards but by the unchanging love of our Heavenly Father. When we ground our identity in Christ, we find security, purpose, and belonging that surpasses anything the world has to offer. We truly find who we are, only when we know who He is.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
In the midst of identity confusion, let us turn to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Through him, we discover our true identity as beloved children of God redeemed and called to live lives of purpose and meaning. As we embrace our identity in Christ, may we find confidence and peace knowing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you that I now know my Identity is found in you. Help me to discover all of you and to know all of me. Show me who I am, as I go on a quest to seek to know who you are. For your dear name’s sake. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: OUT OF
The phrase "out of" is translated from the Greek word "ἐκ" (ek), which denotes origin or source. The people's scepticism about Jesus' origin from Nazareth in Galilee reflects their expectation that the Messiah would come from a place of greater significance, such as Bethlehem. Hence their question, will Christ come out of Galilee?
The juxtaposition of Bethlehem and Galilee highlights the contrast between expectation and reality, tradition and innovation. While tradition dictated that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, Jesus' ministry and teachings originated from Galilee, challenging conventional wisdom and reshaping religious understanding. The discrepancy between their expectations and Jesus' actual background serves as a reminder that God often works in unexpected ways and chooses the unlikely to fulfil His purposes.
Reflections:
Are we open to embracing God's plans, even when they diverge from our expectations or societal norms?
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