Jesus's Answer for your question "Who Am I?"
"You are the salt of the earth.." (Matthew 5: 13)
"You are the light of the world.." (Matthew 5: 14)
"I'm the vine, you are the branches.." (John 15: 5)
It is a question often asked in the beginning of many Youth Camps, Vacation Bible Schools, Bible Studies and even in some of the Seminars. Most of these discussions usually end saying that the faith, qualities and characteristics of a person usually gives the answer for this question "Who am I?".
But when we go through few passages that are similar to the above mentioned ones, we find Jesus directly providing the answers from various perspectives. We find that the question which was answered with simple verses earlier, now needs to move to the second level of understanding of what Jesus said that we are. The surprising fact is, Jesus has answered this question in a very simple manner, and not complex as we look at it. Jesus came with the answers in quite a direct way. And let's briefly look at some of them.
In Matthew 5; 13, we find that Jesus provides one of the answers for our question. He says, "You are salt of the earth, But if the salt looses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men". Isn't it amazing to realize that the answer is quite very clear. The best part of this answer Jesus has provided is, it not only does explain who you are, but also answers what you are supposed to do. In a very simple term, this becomes a very simple understanding of how we have to be living a life that never looses the saltiness, a life that never looses the anointing of God. Once we lose that anointing which God has given to us through the Holy Spirit, we become useless. It is Holy Spirit who lives in us and make us worthy as which would influence the life of others.
We find another answer in Matthew 5:14. This answer is again such a simple one to realize and understand. Jesus says "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. (15) Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. (16) In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven". It is so interesting that as we realize that Jesus has said that we are the light of the world, it gives us the assurance that just like in the beginning, whoever is trusting in Him, He has given them His own image and expects all of who have His own image to be like Him, so that we would be a blessing to many others when we show the light of God to those who are in darkness.
The third answer is found in John 15. Jesus says, (5) "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (6) If anybody does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. (7) If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. (8) This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. Jesus wants us to bear the fruits that would be a blessing to many others and leading them towards God. But at the same time Jesus lays importance on the need to be connected with Him. And it is clear that when we are, as branches in Him; the vine, we are going to be fruitful. This fruitfulness will not lead people to praise us, but glorify the Father above.
Thus, we find, You are the Salt of the earth, the Light of the world and also the Branches in Him; the Vine. We are called to live a life that will be fulfilling these purposes God has for us.
May God bless you.
