Who Are You!!!

A Series on the “I Am” statements of Jesus
 (Click on the link below to read the verses.)
John 7:53-8:12 

[Moses encountered God at the burning bush where the Lord gave His name as “I Am”. Jesus used that same name for himself, thus claiming to BE God. In this series, we’re looking at the “I Am” statements of Jesus to learn about him and about God.]

 

Networking. I hate it. Basically, you immerse yourself into a group of people of whom you might know one other person. The idea being that you mix and mingle to get to know who the other people are. Or, at least get to know their name, who they work for and what they do.

 

Generally, people aren’t so blunt as to say, “Who are you anyways”? But that is pretty much the idea. To find out who in that room of strangers might provide a mutually beneficial relationship. A relationship that might bring “Cha-Ching” to both of your businesses. “Who are you”?

 

Despite rumors of Jewish leaders plotting to kill him, Jesus decided to attend the Festival of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. During this annual celebration which required all Jewish males to attend, Jesus taught in the temple. This led to discussions between Jesus and the religious leaders about who he was.

 

In an attempt to trick Jesus, the Pharisees and scribes brought a woman to him who had been caught in adultery. They asked Jesus if the Law, which prescribed death by stoning, should be adhered to with the woman.

 

Jesus didn’t fall into their trap but countered with, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” When they had all left without lifting a hand, Jesus told her, “Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”

 

¹² When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”            NLT

 

Clearly, he had brought life-giving light to the woman caught in adultery. But he also brought light to the religious leaders. Light that they didn’t want. This led to more arguing which escalated to the point where the Jews demanded an answer to this question, “Who are you?”

 

The argument between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes continued to increase to the climactic point where Jesus finally claimed to be God.

 

⁵⁸ “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!”       NLT

 

For those attending the Festival of Tabernacles, the big question that seemed to be on everybody’s mind was, “Who is Jesus”. Some believed he was just a rabbi from Galilee; some thought he was demon possessed; some thought he was the Messiah. Yet the question persisted. “Who are you?”

 

To a world lost in darkness, Christ offers Himself as the light… and the truth… and the I AM. His claims don’t allow us to be neutral. We either find grace and forgiveness, like the woman caught in adultery; or we pick up a stone to kill him.

 

Which will you choose?

 

Copyright 2022 Joseph B Williams