Our Daily Bread: A New Life Easter EditionНамуна

Who Are You

From time to time, we read of people who are offended at not being treated with what they consider due respect and deference. “Do you know who I am?” they shout indignantly. And we are reminded of the statement, “If you have to tell people who you are, you probably really aren’t who you think you are.”

The polar opposite of this arrogance and self-importance is seen in Jesus, even as His life on earth was nearing its end. Jesus entered Jerusalem to shouts of praise from the people (Matthew 21:7–9). When others throughout the city asked, “Who is this?” the crowds answered, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee” (vv. 10–11). He didn’t come claiming special privileges, but in humility He came to give His life in obedience to His Father’s will.

The words Jesus said and the things He did commanded respect. Unlike insecure rulers, He never demanded that others respect Him. His greatest hours of suffering appeared to be His lowest point of weakness and failure. Yet, the strength of His identity and mission carried Jesus through the darkest hours as He died for our sins so that we might live in His love. He is worthy of our lives and our devotion today. Do we recognize who He is? —David McCasland

When once you have seen Jesus, you can never be the same. —Oswald Chambers