During this season of Lent, I have been using the book Freeing Jesus, by Diana Butler Bass as a starting point with my Sunday messages. In the book, she lays out seven different ways of experiencing Jesus. We’ve looked at Jesus as a friend, teacher, savior, and presence. We will also look at Jesus as the way, suffering servant, and Lord. There are several other ways of talking about Jesus and describing how he makes himself known. In the first three Gospels, Jesus often refers to himself as the “Son of Man.” The term that emphasizes his human nature. It may have already had some currency in Jesus’ day as a term referring to an apocalyptic figure that plays a role in the end times, but not all scholars agree.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to himself with a series of statements that begin with the declaration, “I am.”
- I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35)
- I am the Light of the World (John 8:12)
- I am the Door (John 10:9)
- I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14)
- I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
- I am the Way and the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)
- I am the Vine (John 15:1,5)
Each of these statements provides rich insight into how Jesus is working to bring us into a relationship with him through faith.
I find that all of these names and words for Jesus help me see that my relationship with him is never static or set in stone. He offers challenge as well as comfort, peace, and some discomfort. I can have known him all my life but still be surprised by him no matter how old I become.
There are times when I feel Jesus is present in a particular way, and I am grateful. Other times, he shows up in ways that take me completely by surprise. That is a pretty good sign that he is alive and at work rather than just a product of my imagination or what someone else has made up. It amazes me that I am drawn to be in an unfolding relationship with him even after so many years. Thanks be to God.
Blessings,
Pastor Steve