The Great Identity Problem: So Now Little Children…
I believe 1 John is one of the most interesting New Testament epistles. John uses some unique wording and descriptors to get his point across and in 1 John one of his most famous descriptors of believers is “Little Children.” What can we learn about our identity from this idea that we are “Little Children?”
In 1 John 2, John starts and ends by addressing us as little children. He writes, “My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous one. He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for those of the whole world.” These powerful words speak to our identity. We are loved by Jesus, so much so that Jesus is our advocate.
An advocate has a unique role. Advocates speak for someone who cannot speak for themselves. Jesus is our advocate and our atoning sacrifice for our sins. In other words, even when we were guilty of sin and were eternally separated from God, Jesus made a way for us to be reconciled to God! Jesus did not do it because we deserved it; instead, Jesus did it as a sacrifice and as our advocate covering over all of our evil!
At the beginning of 1 John 2, we see how Jesus is our savior and how we are his children. We see the beloved nature of our identity in Christ. 1 John 2 ends by saying, “So now, little children, remain in him so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you know this as well: Everyone who does what is right has been born of him.” As the chapter ends, John reminds us of how we should remain in Jesus! Our identity is as children who have been saved; children who have been born of Jesus! Our identity sets us free.
Today, let me encourage you to live as a little child of God. Rather than trying to save yourself, trust God and let God work. Be God’s child and let your advocate intercede for you! We have a great advocate. This is a freeing statement because we are reminded that our identity comes not from ourselves, but from God who has made us and has redeemed us.
Pastor Daniel