Lesson 2: Identity Crisis:
Who Are You When Life Gets Tough?
Have you ever had those moments of absolute clarity? You knew exactly who you were, what your purpose was, and where you were headed. Then, life throws you a curveball, and suddenly, everything you thought you knew is questioned. This human experience is reflected in the story of Jesus in the wilderness.
The emphasis should shift from what one does to who one is and who one is becoming. Service to others, in any context, should flow from an identity rooted in Jesus, not from performance.
This leads to the Lenten journey, "Path Through the Wilderness," exploring Jesus's moment of identity testing. The Father's declaration at Jesus's baptism, "This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased," (Matthew 3:17) served as an anchor. When life becomes difficult, questioning one's worth and God's attention is common. Belief in God's declarations of love, choice, and forgiveness provides a stable foundation.
The second temptation sees Satan taking Jesus to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple. The high place, a site of worship and sacrifice, becomes a stage for testing Jesus's identity. The enemy aims to plant doubt in Jesus's relationship with the Father.
The Father's affirmation at Jesus's baptism was essential armor. Weariness and trials can shake even strong foundations. Circumstances can lead to forgetting one's identity.
Identity in Christ is a strong weapon against temptation. However, the enemy misuses and misinterprets scripture, twisting Psalm 91 to serve his own purposes.
This serves as a warning: misquoting scripture is the devil's work. Scripture must be read, studied, and memorized, but also understood in its proper context. Twisting scripture to justify actions contrary to God's will distorts His intended message.
This misuse of scripture has real-world consequences, justifying abuse and oppression. The devil knows the Bible, but does not obey it. Biblical knowledge should not be confused with biblical obedience.
Jesus responds by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16: "Do not put the Lord your God to the test." True faith trusts God's promises without coercion. God's calling does not require testing His faithfulness.
The only time God invites testing is in tithing, promising blessings. (Malachi 3:10)
Jesus anchored himself in God's declaration. A similar anchoring is required, especially during doubts. More than memorized verses, hearts and souls shaped by God's truth are needed.
When doubts arise, pause and remember God's affirmations. Choose trust over demands for signs. Rely on scripture as an anchor. Let actions reflect an identity in Christ, trusting in His character and promises during trials. God’s goodness and faithfulness should be remembered.
Questions for Discussion
What are some personal experiences where you've felt your identity or calling being questioned?
How does the concept of "human being" versus "human doing" resonate with you, and how can it be applied practically in daily life?
Why is the Father's declaration at Jesus's baptism so crucial to understanding Jesus's experience in the wilderness?
How can one distinguish between genuine faith and "testing" God?
What are some examples, either personal or societal, where scripture has been misused or misinterpreted?
Why is it important to understand the context of scripture, and what are some practical ways to do so?
How can one cultivate a deeper understanding of their identity in Christ, especially during times of doubt or difficulty?
What does it mean to "anchor oneself" in God's truth, and what are some specific ways to do this?
How does the concept of biblical knowledge versus biblical obedience apply to your own life?
How can trusting in God's faithfulness impact your response to life's challenges?
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