Psychologist Erik Erikson coined the term “identity crisis,” and defined it as failure to achieve ego identity during adolescence. During the Identity Cohesion versus Role Confusion psychological stage, physical growth and sexual maturation occur as well as ideas about ourselves and what others think of us. Solving the crisis enhances our self-image, but failing to lets the “Who am I” question hang on beyond adolescence. Struggles to “find ourselves” can create a negative identity involving crime, drug use, and the inability to make decisions about the future.
Many were confused about Jesus. Messiah was supposed to ride into town on a white horse and conquer the Jew’s enemies. Jesus didn’t, and people began to question his identity. When he questioned the disciples about who people said he was, he received responses such as Elijah, John the Baptist, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets. When he asked their opinion, Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16: 16 NLT).”
Jesus is the only begotten Son of God. He has always existed and is the unique One. He was also the sinless Son of God. Had he not been, he couldn’t have accomplished what the Father sent him to do-die for the sins of the world. Under the Old Testament covenant, people continually offered sacrifices for their sins, but all the offerings were imperfect. Nor could they accomplish their intended end-forgiveness. Only a perfect sacrifice would do, and this was offered in the person of Jesus.
Jesus knew who he was and why the Father sent him. Since he had no identity crisis, he plunged ahead with full force to accomplish the Father’s plan. You too can discover what God has in store for you because of who you are.
Prayer: Father in heaven, we believe You have good plans for us. Reveal them, and give us courage to carry them out with the faith that You’re always by our side.
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I followed your link from the Titus Tuesday link-up. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is well worth studying who Jesus really is. If He is not Who the Bible says He is then our Christian faith is completely futile - everything hangs on whether He is trustworthy. I am happy to report that I have found Him to be all that He has been said to be! :)