Mistaken Identity

"All the people started talking about Jesus and were amazed at the wonderful things he said. They kept on asking, 'Isn't this Joseph's son?' " Luke 4:22

Have you ever walked through a checkout line with a child that wasn't your offspring and have the teller say something like, "Oh your child is so cute. He (or she) looks just like you." And in that proud moment all you do is introduce yourself as 'auntie' or 'uncle' or the babysitter. Been there, done that and got the t-shirt that says "not my kid".

During Jesus' childhood, Joseph must have had his fair share of 'proud moments'. "What a hard working son you have.", "You must be so proud of your boy.", "Yeshua looks just like you, Joseph." And all along Joseph said to himself. 'He's not my son.'

I have no doubt in my mind that Joseph was proud of his step-son. He loved Jesus like his own begotten children. But Joseph knew the truth. What was hidden from most of Nazareth was Jesus true identity. He was not Joseph's son; he was God's son. Even when Jesus was an adult in ministry, his hometown neighbour's were still mistaking his identity.

What about me? When people look at me who do they see? What is my identity in the eyes of my neighbours? Do they know the truth? Do they know who my real Father is? Or... am I just a resemblance of my earthly inheritance?

Jesus didn't keep his identity a secret.

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." John 14:6-7