Jesus and identity

BY REV. DORAL PULLEY

Reference Scripture: John 10:19-40

Jesus Christ is our Wayshower.  Through his example, we learn how to demonstrate our divinity in this human form.  Jesus Christ manifested his divinity in a way that the Jews had never before seen or heard.  His teaching, preaching and miracles were so unique that they were divided among themselves about his identity.  Some thought that he was the Christ and others thought he was a devil.  They thought the best way to get a clear answer to ask him. His response was threefold.

First, he repeated the affirmative answer that he was, in fact, the Christ, the anointing of God upon a person, place or thing to do something beyond normal.  The Christ is a level of consciousness where we recognize our divinity, we know and actualize our unlimited potential.  He did not just say that he was the Christ, but he demonstrated that he was the Christ through his actions.  His words were confirmed by his works.

Not only did Jesus identify as the Christ, he also identified as the Good Shepherd.  He further explained to the Jews that they were not able to fully understand who he was because they were not his sheep.  Only his sheep could really hear his voice and emulate who he was.

Finally, Jesus Christ explained that he was the Son of God.  When the Jews could not handle the truth of his being, they attempted to stone him, but he escaped. He affirmed, “I and my Father are one (John 10:30).”  This meant that there was no separation between him and God.  When people saw him, they saw the Father (John 14:9).

Rev. Doral Pulley is the senior pastor of Unity Temple of Truth Church, 511 Prescott St. S, St. Petersburg.