You call me “Teacher” and “Lord,” and rightly so, for that is what I am. (John 13:13)

Who we are defines us. Recently, a lady asked me if I was Pamela. When I nodded, she said, “I recognized you by your profile picture on Instagram. I love reading your posts.” I was recognized by my face, but I defined by who I am: a writer on Instagram.

Jesus wanted the disciples to know who he was. They had witnessed his laugh, his joy, and even his grief. He was their friend but was defined by “Teacher.” Jesus taught them using common things to illustrate his point—salt, a grain of mustard seed, a pearl. He taught them to pray, forgive, and love everyone. Nicodemus knew Jesus was a teacher from God. The Pharisees knew it, too, but refused to admit it.

Defining Jesus was yet another title: Adonai, Lord. It means that Jesus was fully man and fully God. Some chose to accept him only as man. But his disciples were fully aware that Jesus was more than Teacher. They might not have understood why he didn’t set up an earthly kingdom, but this they knew: He was their Lord.

In the hearts of humans is the clear knowledge of the lordship of Jesus. He is Lord of miracles, forgiveness, and discipleship. Instagram doesn’t have his picture, but our souls bear witness that Jesus is Lord.

Embrace the lordship of Jesus.

Pamela J. Kuhn’s favorite word is joy and her favorite place is anywhere that holds books and sells tea. Her husband, R. B., is an associate professor at Indiana Wesleyan University.

© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.