Jesus,
Thank you for this new morning, for the silence in which I can meet you before the day truly begins.
I often read your words, yet I remain as confused as the Pharisees. I ask you who you are, but your answers are deeper than my questions.
I confess, Lord, that I am so often trapped in a mindset ‘from below.’ My worries, my fears, and my plans are so earthly. But in your word, you clearly draw a line between me and you, between this world and your origin.
He continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.” (John 8:23)
Your word is sometimes sharp, but I know that with it, you call me to life. You do not want me to remain trapped in my smallness, in my sin, separated from you. Your warning is not a threat, but an invitation to faith.
“I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.” (John 8:24)
You are the eternal ‘I am’
Who are you, Jesus? This question echoes through the centuries and in my own heart. Your answer transcends all logic and expectation. You are not merely a teacher or a prophet. You are eternity who entered into time.
“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58)
Your food is the Father’s will
Your secret is not in solitude, but in perfect communion. You were never alone. Your strength, your peace, and your direction came from the Father, who was always with you because you always did what was pleasing to him.
“The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” (John 8:29)
This devotion was not a burden to you, but your food. It was your life, your purpose. Teach me, Lord, that for me too, the only thing that truly matters is doing your will, not my own.
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:34)
You told them they would only know you when they had lifted you up. Not to an earthly throne, but to the wood of the cross. That is the moment of your greatest revelation.
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up.” (John 3:14)
Lord, today I ask you for the grace of faith. Do not let me remain in the darkness of misunderstanding. I want to believe that you are the ‘I am,’ my Savior and my God.
Grant that I may choose you today, so that I will not die in my sins, but through faith in you, live forever. May I realize today that I truly was blind, but now I see.
Amen.
Amen 🙏 may the light of Jesus surround all who read this prayer above.