Week 2 | Connection: In the Gaze of God, Matthew 3

As we think about who we are, our name is often one of the first clues to our identity. We are named by human parents with a last name that identifies our family connection and a first name that provides a unique identifier within that family. However, even these names fall short of what we need and desire. 

As God the Father says, “This is My Son,” He is stating something that could seem to simply be a fact, but it is so much more. He is defining the relationship that He holds with Jesus. God exists in an eternal relationship – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Before anything was made, God existed as One in three persons – a mystery which theologians have named the Trinity. The most fundamental reality of the universe is this relationship. Son of God defines and describes Jesus like nothing else. 

His earthly name, Jesus of Nazareth, tells of the town where his family is from as well as the name His parents gave Him. They were instructed by God, through an angel, to name Him Jesus (Matthew 1:22) or Immanuel (quoting from Isaiah 7). Both names describe His relationship to humanity. Our earthly names speak of our relationship to humanity as well.

“This is My Son” speaks to Jesus’ relationship to God the Father. When the Father looked at Jesus, His primary thought was not, “This is Jesus (God who saves) or Immanuel (God with us),” but, This is My Son.” Jesus’ “earthly” names are quite significant, but they speak more to what Jesus does than who He is. It is indeed notable that these words of Sonship were affirmed before Jesus had preached a sermon, healed the sick, or gone to the cross.

In the same way, we are called “children of God” (1 John 3:1). This is who we are. We may think of ourselves according to our profession, our family of origin, our gender, our past, or whatever else holds our attention, but the reality is that our relationship to God is the most real thing about us.

Is that how you think of yourself?  

Do you allow a role, a profession, a gifting, or even your behavior or choices in life to be what defines you? Sit with this for a moment and consider the question: Who am I? As you notice that things other than who you are as a child of God surface, gently release them and let them go. None of these things you might release are necessarily wrong or even incorrect on one level (some of them may be), but they are not who you are.

God not only names us son or daughter, but He also has a name for us that is unique to us. In the book of Revelation, Jesus challenges seven churches to repent and turn their hearts back toward Him. To the church in Pergamum, He promises that with their repentance will come “a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it” (2:17). To have a “nickname” like this is picture of intimacy and affection. 

Will you listen for the name God has given you? 

Take a few moments and sit in quiet with the Lord. Ask Him what He calls you. Wait and listen prayerfully. Perhaps you have asked the same question previously. If so, ask again and notice if there is something new or simply an affirmation of what you heard before.

Will you surrender to what God names you? Will you release other names or identities you’ve held tight in your grip? You may notice some resistance arise as you receive His name for you. Often, we have names that we received as children related to our bodies, our intellectual capabilities, our emotional life, or our actions. These can be difficult to release as they may have shaped much of how we interact with ourselves, others, and the world. In addition, as we allow roles, jobs, giftings, or callings to name us, we may have thought: Who am I if not this?

Sit for a few moments and quietly receive His name for you: son/daughter and/or perhaps what is written on that white stone.

Prayer: Lord, You have called me by name. Help me to release all other identities and names. I surrender to what You call me. Amen.