Who Is Jesus? (The Most Important Question)

These days, the Morin family is all abuzz with talk of names. That’s because there are two little boys scheduled to make an appearance in 2025 (Two new grandboys!), and their parents have chosen strong and beautiful names for them.

Parents of newborns typically have to run the gauntlet of naming questions:
“Is that a family name?”
“Why did you choose that name?”
“How about a middle name/nickname?”

I recently visited a church where the guest pastor preached an entire sermon on the importance of the name of Jesus, which, of course, made me wonder if Mary had been interrogated: “Why aren’t you naming him Joseph, hmmm?” Scripture is clear that, unlike you and me, Jesus was in NO way confused about his identity or his purpose during his days on this planet, and his followers left a clear trail, affirming the connection between his name and his role:

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…” (John 1:11-12)

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Romans 10:13)

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth….”(Philippians 2:9-10)

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)

Scripture is clear that, unlike you and me, Jesus was in NO way confused about his identity or his purpose during his days on this planet.

Tweet

Jesus: His Identity and His Intentions

With our tendency to remake God in our own image and to reinvent Jesus as an advocate for social “niceness,” we might be surprised to realize that the crowds in Jesus’s day recognized exactly what he was saying when he made claims about his identity. That’s what got him killed, remember?

Let’s put aside any nonsense about a cultural Jesus whose good morals and wise teaching will help us preserve society. A careful reading of the four Gospels skewers any expectations for a pragmatic Jesus who supports our moral philosophy of individualism. Scripture is clear: He is the Son of Abraham, the Son of David, the Son of Man, the Son of God!

John’s Gospel invites us to follow a trail of breadcrumbs Jesus left for us himself to clarify his identity and his intentions. He said, “I am the Light of the world,” because he knew that without him, we would walk in terrible darkness. He said, “I am the Bread of life,” because he knew our deep hunger. He claimed to be the Way because we are eternally lost without him. He knew that he would defeat death, and so he revealed himself as Resurrection and Life, making every day a celebration of Easter for those who believe.

Perhaps the most important data point for any of us to resolve is the question Jesus posed to Peter 2,000 years ago: “Who do you say that I am?”

• Is Jesus a handy resource when he agrees with your opinions?
• Is he an escape hatch from a bad outcome after death?
• Is he a terrific role model to keep your kids and grandkids on the straight and narrow?
• Is he the Lord and centerpiece of your life?

Let’s talk about your answer in the comments!

Holding You in the Light,

Perhaps the most important data point for any of us to resolve is the question Jesus posed to Peter 2,000 years ago: “Who do you say that I am?”

Tweet

---

Free Encouragement in Your Inbox!

On the third Thursday of every month, I send a newsletter with biblical encouragement straight to my subscribers’ email inboxes. Frequently, I share free resources, and the newsletter is where everything lands first.

CLICK HERE to read my most recent newsletter where you’ll be given the opportunity to subscribe. I’m committed to the truth that women can become confident followers of God and students of his Word, and I want to help you along that path.

---

Looking for Challenging Devotional Reading that Encourages You to Seek Intimacy with God Every Day?

As you know, I’m committed to the truth that women can become confident followers of God and students of his Word, and it’s my goal to help you along that path. At Living Our Days, I provide biblical content and resources to encourage biblical literacy and faithful living, and now I’m sharing devotional content on the YouVersion app. Visit my profile page to get free access to the reading plans!

---

I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees. If you should decide to purchase any of the books or products I’ve shared, simply click on the book title, and you’ll be taken directly to the seller. If you decide to buy, I’ll receive a few pennies at no extra cost to you.