The Great Exchange: Discovering Our Identity in Christ

In the tapestry of human existence, few moments resonate as profoundly as the encounter between Mary and Jesus at the crucifixion. As Jesus, in His final breaths, entrusted His mother to the care of His beloved disciple John, He performed an act of deep compassion and ensured a new identity for both Mary and John. This poignant moment captures the essence of the "Great Exchange" — a divine transaction where Jesus offers us a new identity, rooted in His love and sacrifice.

The Apostle John, who witnessed this exchange firsthand, illuminates this transformative truth in his writings. Known for his deep personal relationship with Jesus, John’s message in his first epistle revolves around the identity shift we undergo when we embrace Christ. John, a man who experienced the fullness of Jesus’ ministry, from the miracles to the resurrection, urges us to understand and live out our new identity in Christ.

The Dual Nature of Jesus

John’s firsthand account is not just a historical record but a personal testimony of encountering Jesus as both fully divine and fully human. This dual nature of Christ is crucial. Jesus, the “Word of life,” was with God from the beginning and yet entered our world, taking on human flesh. John emphasizes this to counteract the false teachings of his time, such as Gnosticism, which denied the humanity of Christ.

By affirming Jesus’ humanity, John underscores the tangible reality of God’s love. Jesus was not a distant deity but one who walked among us, shared in our experiences, and ultimately sacrificed Himself for our sins. This reality invites us into an intimate relationship with God, bridging the chasm between the divine and the human.

Walking in the Light

John’s message is clear: to know God is to walk in the light. God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all. This light represents truth, purity, and life. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this light in our daily lives. Walking in the light means living in a way that aligns with God’s truth, acknowledging our sins, and allowing Jesus’ sacrificial blood to continually cleanse us.

Confession and repentance are vital in maintaining this walk. John warns against self-deception, urging us to confront our sins honestly. When we acknowledge our need for forgiveness, God, who is faithful and just, cleanses us from all unrighteousness. This ongoing process of cleansing is not about attaining sinlessness on our own but relying on Jesus, our advocate, who pleads our case before the Father.

The Transformative Power of Jesus

The essence of John’s message is that knowing Jesus personally transforms us. It’s not merely about adhering to a set of beliefs but about a profound relationship with the living Christ. This relationship brings fullness of joy, a joy that surpasses all circumstances and challenges.

John’s life and writings challenge us to examine our own identity. Are we living as those who are deeply loved by Jesus? Do we reflect the light of Christ in our interactions and decisions? This identity shift requires us to commit to God and His people, to stop delaying obedience, and to embrace the transformation that comes from living in the truth of who Jesus is.

Our New Identity

To live in this new identity, we must first submit to God’s transforming work in our lives. This begins with prayer, allowing God’s Word to shape us, and connecting deeply with His people. As we do this, we experience the fullness of joy that John speaks of — a joy rooted in the assurance of our salvation and the reality of our intimate relationship with God.

As we go about our lives, let us remember that we carry the light of Christ within us. This light is meant to shine in the darkest places, bringing hope and truth to a world in desperate need. By living out our identity in Christ, we not only find our own joy but also draw others into the transformative power of Jesus’ love.

John’s message is both a reminder and a call to action. It reminds us of the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus, which gives us a new identity, and it calls us to live out this identity with joy, integrity, and purpose. Let us embrace this great exchange and walk boldly in the light of Christ, knowing that we are deeply loved and called to share that love with the world.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director