Knowing Who You Are...and Who Jesus Is

A chaplain I know visited a patient at a local hospital.  The patient had recently received a very bad diagnosis and had a hard time processing the news.  In the midst of this difficult situation, a doctor stepped into the room to brief the patient.  The doctor didn’t have the best bedside manner and unintentionally upset the patient.  In response, the chaplain stopped the doctor, saying, “This isn’t a good time.”

The doctor looked indignant and asked, “Do you know who I am?”  The chaplain said, “I know exactly who you are.  This still isn’t a good time.”  The chaplain thought that Christian ministry and the patient’s emotional well being trumped the doctor’s status.  The doctor left the room a bit perplexed.

Sometimes, our Christian walk can the attitude of that doctor?  We think our experience or talents entitles us to a certain amount of status and respect.   Then, the words of the scriptures or the preaching of the church confronts us.  We ask, “Do you know who I am?”  The Holy Spirit says, “I know exactly who you are.  You are a person being made into the image of Jesus.  Do you know who Jesus is?”

In the Gospel of Luke, asks his disciples, “Who do you say I am?”  Peter answers, “God’s messiah.”  According to the Gospels, Jesus is more concerned with His people learning who He is rather than adjusting to the status us of his followers.

As you go through the coming week, ask the Lord reveal who He is to you.   Ask the Lord to make you into His image rather than asking the Lord, “Do you know who I am?”  As you do, you will learn more and more about the goodness of Jesus.  You’ll also feel more secure in who Jesus is making you to be.