Christ our Identity

Jesus’ words, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” say to the Jew, “Let Me be your identity!”

God’s covenant with Moses was the sign of the Sabbath. It was given to remind Israel of their Creator. Unlike Abraham’s sign of circumcision, which was private and hidden, Moses’ sign was public and visible. The Sabbath became the national sign—how Israel was best identified among all the other nations on earth.

And Jesus laid claim to their most visible, national identification!

Some national holidays in America have been redefined over time:

• Labor Day is no longer a day for labor unions to organize and have member meetings. It is now a day to mark the end of summer and have a BBQ.
• Columbus Day is being widely replaced with “Indigenous People’s Day.”
• Thanksgiving is less about giving thanks to God for our nation, and more about engorging on turkey and falling asleep watching a football game.
• Christmas has been mostly secularized and few celebrate Jesus’ birth

BUT, there are other days which are critical to the meaning of being an American! I doubt anyone would have the nerve to lay claim to and redefine Martin Luther King Day, or Independence Day! Imagine the uproar and resistance if someone tried to change the meaning of one of these days!

Now, personalize it: Imagine Jesus coming to you and saying, “I am Lord of the ____________” (fill in the blank with that thing that most identifies you.)

What do you find your identity in? When someone asks you about yourself, is the first thing that comes to mind, “I am a follower of Jesus Christ!”?

What if Jesus wanted to change your identity in some way: could you simply say, “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me!”