Jesus spoke to the people once more and 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.” (John 8:12 NLT)
Jesus faced constant demands, dangerous opposition and little privacy. Yet He never allowed others to define him. - His parents had their own ideas of who they wanted Him to be – I know that because his dad trained him as a carpenter...
- His disciples had their own idea who they wanted him to be
- The Pharisees and Sadducees wanted to define Him according to their agendas
- The people he encountered, the crowds...palm Sunday had their own view of who Jesus was suppose to be
If we let them then the people around us will shape us into what THEY NEED and that which will fulfil THEIR needs. But he never allowed others to define Him...Matthew 16:13-17
What does that teach us?
1. Know who you are (John 8:12) — "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”" (John 8:12, NIV)
There was no doubt in Jesus’ mind as to who he was. He knew he came from God, and he knew he had a unique mission to fulfil. As believers, we can know we belong to God and that God defines who we are and what we are meant to do on this Earth. Trying to be someone God never intended you to be causes stress! The answer to the question: “Who am I” should be sought and will be found in God. I notice that as Jesus walked among us He knew who He was and it was based on His heavenly father’s opinion of Him
2. Know whom you want to please (John 5:30) — "By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me." (John 5:30, NIV)
Jesus never let the fear of rejection manipulate him. No one can pressure you without your permission. You can’t please everyone; even God can’t! Many of us live in this constant struggle to please the people around us – I must be smarter, I must be thinner, I must have more...Find out what it is that God wants form you and put your energy in pleasing and being obedient to your Father in heaven.3. Know what goals you need to reach (John 8:14) —"Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going." (John 8:14, NIV)
Jesus said, “I know where I came from and where I am going.” Preparation prevents pressure, but procrastination produces it. You work by either priorities or pressures. How clear are you on God’s plan and purpose for your life – this only happens as I spend time with God and God’s people4. Know how to maintain your priorities (Luke 4:42–44) — "At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea." (Luke 4:42-44, NIV)
Jesus knew how to handle interruptions without being distracted from his primary goal. He did this by spending time in prayer and retreat with the father.
