Exploring the identity of Jesus further

It is John’s account that takes the exploration of Jesus’ identity further. If Matthew’s thing is to focus on the kingdom of heaven, then John’s is to probe into who Jesus really is.

As we saw yesterday, John came before Jesus to prepare the way for him. Jesus describes John like this –

John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. John 5:35

John testifies in Jesus’ favour (as Jesus puts it in v32). John bears witness to who Jesus is. He confirms that Jesus is to bring a message like no other message ever heard before. All that Jesus will achieve on his time on earth will testify to the fact that he has been sent by God. He is from God and in God and with God. He is like no other man who has ever walked the earth.

I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. John 5:36-37

Jesus looks around at the people he’s talking to and says ‘I know you’.

I know what how you’re living your life. I know what you’re basing your life on. You think you know it all. You think you’ve got it sorted. And yet you’re missing what’s right in front of your eyes. You’re missing the point. You’re not recognising me for who I am!

You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. John 5:37-40

They’re so caught up in studying about Jesus that they don’t take the time to get to know the living Jesus. Their heads are so buried in their books that they don’t lift their eyes to see the giver of life standing right before them.

Come to me to have life.

That’s what Jesus is saying.

If you want to experience life in all its fullness, then come to me. Get to know me.

I am the way, the truth and the life.

I can show you how life should be live. I can lead you into the best life.

He knows what these people are like. He knows their hearts. Their minds might be filled with the Scriptures, but they don’t have God’s love in their hearts.

I do not accept glory from human beings, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? John 5:41-44

Jesus can see how it’s going to play out. He doesn’t fit into the box the spiritual leaders have created for the coming Messiah. He mixes with the wrong people and challenges the rules. He doesn’t tick all the boxes. He isn’t what they’ve been expecting. He isn’t what they want at all. And so they miss out on all that God has in store for those who look at Jesus and see him for who he is: God in human form.

During his time on earth, Jesus faces much opposition. The people can’t accept he’s who he says he is. Opinion is divided – we’ll look at that more this week.

Some question his Jewish heritage.

Some say he’s mad, demon-possessed.

‘I am not possessed by a demon,’ said Jesus, ‘but I honour my Father and you dishonour me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.’

At this they exclaimed, ‘Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?’  John 8:49-53

Who do you think you are? That’s the question on everyone’s lips.

Who do you think you are?

These are bold claims Jesus is making. The only people who’d ever spoken this kind of subversive rubbish before have been mad men and con men. Either he’s lying or he’s crazy. That’s the natural conclusion. Because the alternative is far more risky: to believe he’s actually who he says he is will rock the boat forever.

‘If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.’

‘You are not yet fifty years old,’ they said to him, ‘and you have seen Abraham!’

‘Very truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’ At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.  John 8:54-59

This is Jesus.

It is God, the one true God, who has sent him to earth and will bless all that he does during his time on earth.

He knows God. No other human being can ever know God the way Jesus knows God.

Jesus is not prepared to lie about who he is and about his relationship with God.

He is here to do everything that God requires of him.

He trusts God and obeys God.

There’s a lot about Jesus we’ll never be able to get our minds around. He exists outside of time – that’s pretty mind-blowing for a start!

I AM.

That’s a phrase Jesus uses here about himself and one that John expands on a lot in his account. It’s what God required the people to call Him back at the time of the exodus.

I AM WHO I AM.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Come to me to have life.

That’s Jesus’ invitation.

Know me and know life in all its fullness.