Culture is obsessed with the idea of finding one’s self. Christians believe that God created mankind - but it goes even further than that. God created each of us as unique individuals with unique identities. Instead of creating our own identities, we are meant to receive our identities as a gift from God. Every part of who we are - our emotions, our personalities, our passions - make the most sense in Him.
Instead, we often try to create our identities with the help of different “masks.” We mask ourselves with performance, or the things we can do; with possessions, or the things that we have; and with popularity, or the way others think of us. All of these things are insufficient to provide identity because they’re subject to change. If we recognize our masks and remove them, then God can reveal our identities. He helps us see who we’re made to be, and teaches us to be ourselves.
Main Passages
“And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”
- Luke 4:2-3
5 And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, 6 and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.”
- Luke 4:5-7
9 And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here…
- Luke 4:9-12
21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
- Luke 3:21-22
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?
Which one of the three masks - performance, possessions, or popularity - have you struggled with most recently?
How can God help us become the best versions of ourselves?