Jen’s Gem: When you know who Jesus is, your life will change.

Years ago, when I was in the throngs of promoting my baby gift business, Frittabello, I attended a b-zillion networking meetings. I collected enough business cards to wallpaper my entire house! The cards and the people’s introductions of themselves all had one thing in common – lack of clarity.

I’ll give you an example or two. I’d hear introductions like “I’m a financial advisor, life coach, and I make jewelry” or “I’m a photographer and I sell XYZ products.” Don’t misunderstand. There’s nothing wrong with having a few sources of revenue. However, what I found confusing was that the people spouting off these multiple side hustles didn’t seem to know which one was their main gig.

I wasn’t sure if they were just “dabbling” in all of these professions trying to find their way or they simply didn’t know who they were. With so many titles on their business cards, it was hard to discern what I’d get when I would talk to them or call upon them for assistance. Equally confusing and disappointing was that I couldn’t refer business to them because I couldn’t describe what they did.

When I launched my business, I was singularly focused on promoting the baby journal I wrote and published. However, after a short time, I created a blog called “Parenting for Purpose” and started to promote subscriptions to it. When I met people, they weren’t sure if I was “The Purposeful Parent” blogger or the creator of the “My Life” baby journal. 

They didn’t know who I was.

The same thing happened with Jesus during his ministry. People thought He was a great scholar, able to read and interpret the Old Testament teachings in a way no one ever had. Others thought He was a healer given the many people He delivered from blindness, leprosy, and more. Still others thought He was a sorcerer – an evil spirit of sorts, turning water into wine and a boy’s lunch into food that fed thousands.

However, there was one person who knew exactly who Jesus was – the apostle Peter. After Jesus had been teaching and preaching for a time, He asked His disciples a very simple question. Take a look at their responses:

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” (Matthew 16:14)

You’ll see that people’s interpretation of Jesus was very similar to mine about the people at my networking meetings. Which title on your business card is the correct one? How should I refer to you?

Yet, take a look at Peter’s response when Jesus asked him point blank this critical question:

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”  Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16: 15-16)

Jesus then reveals how Peter knew this:

“Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood (people), but by my Father in heaven.””  Matthew 16:17

God revealed Jesus’ correct “title” to Peter. He did this so that Peter could cut through the clutter of the other descriptions that were floating around town about Him. Interestingly, this same response was revealed to the Roman soldier who was among those responsible for Jesus’ crucifixion.

“Truly this was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27:54)

Just as in ancient times, many people today have different descriptions of Jesus. Teacher. Prophet. Healer. Very few recognize the only title that matters – “Son of God.” This lack of revelation has led many to seek other solutions to find their purpose, to find meaning to their lives, to find that singular title for their business cards. 

Today when I attend networking meetings, many of the “multi-dimensional” folks I met nearly a decade ago have found their lane. Their elevator pitches are crystal clear. In a few minutes, I know exactly who they are and what they do. Perhaps they just needed time to figure this out but having done so, each of them is thriving in their business. Clarity about who you are brings blessings.

I suspect some of my readers will disagree with this description of Jesus. A few many reject it entirely and stick to their own interpretations of who Jesus is. I offer this for consideration:

Knowing exactly who Jesus is and having a personal relationship with Him brings clarity, peace, and yes, blessings. It cuts through the chaos of this crazy world. It gets you through difficult times. It guides your everyday steps. It fills the hole or holes in your heart because once you know, understand, and believe that you are loved beyond measure and accepted – warts and all – by the Son of god, you will never be the same.

This week I’d like to encourage you to ask yourself the question Jesus asked of his disciples. “Who do you say that Jesus is?” I pray, like Peter, the Roman soldier, and me, the correct answer will be revealed to you.