Just As I Am

If you were to answer the question "Who is Jesus?" what would your answer be? Would it be the same as Peters?

Mark 8:27-29

"Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked, "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ."

I grew up singing the hymn Just as I Am, Without One Plea (Hymn with Lyrics) - YouTube and as I reflect on this song it makes me think about who I am in Christ and how I describe myself to others.

How do you describe yourself?

Are you someone who says, "that's just the way I am?" or are you someone who recognizes your worth because of what Jesus did for you on the cross? If you find yourself limiting who you are based on your behavior, I want to encourage you to follow Jesus' example of how to speak and act towards others and even in the way you view yourself.

Let's read through the various passages below and notice how Jesus describes himself.

I am…He (the Messiah) - John 4:26; 8:24; 13:19; 18:5, 8

I am…the bread of life - John 6:35, 41, 48, 51

I am…from God - John 7:29

I am…the light of the world - John 8:12; 9:5

I am…from above - John 8:23

I am…the Son of Man - John 8:28

I am…I AM the name by which God revealed himself to Moses - Exodus 3:14; John 8:58

I am…the gate/door - John 10:7, 9

I am…the good shepherd - John 10:11, 14

I am…the Son of God - John 10:36

I am…the resurrection and the life - John 11:25

I am…Teacher and Lord - John 13:13

I am…the way and the truth and the life - John 14:6

I am…in the Father - John 14:10-11, 20

I am…the true vine - John 15:1, 5

I am…not of the world - John 17:14, 16

I am…a king - John 18:37

I am…I AM WHO I AM – Exodus 3:14

I love John 8:12 where Jesus says he is the light of the world. So our question to reflect on this morning should be "how can I share His light with others?" Look for opportunities in the coming week to be a beacon of light and hope to those you come in contact with. I encourage you to journal what you've done to help others and write down the results because as we begin to pay attention to God working in and through our lives we will begin seeing Him transform us from the inside out!

Let's avoid repeating the same behaviors we've always done and ask God to change our statements from "that's just the way I am" to "I am who God says I am" which is a child of God who is loved beyond comprehension.

As we reflect on Jesus' resurrection this Easter morning, allow God to transform your life so that you can begin living by His example and never forget who you are in Him!

Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime