Jesus, John Prine and You

Our identity is crafted like a song

At an Americana awards show, John Prine came out to introduce Iris DeMent. The crowd cheered with a standing ovation at John’s presence. The crowd continued to cheer for what seemed like five minutes. As they finally settled down, Prine stated, “Hello, I’m John Prine, but I would like to go back to who you thought I was a few moments ago.”

Wow, what a line! I have certainly had wonderful people in my life who thought I was much more wonderful than I believed was the case. Now I must admit, I have also had some people in my life who thought I was far more terrible than I am willing to own. What an interesting concept to explore—who do people think we are?

Jesus and the Disciples: A Question That Still Echoes

I am reminded of the passage found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke where Jesus asks the disciples about the crowds of people. He asks them, “Who do they say that I am?” The disciples give a few options as to who the people think Jesus is. Some say he is Elijah, others say he is John the Baptist, or perhaps one of the other prophets from Israel's past. Jesus then asks, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter speaks up, as he often does, and answers that Jesus is the Christ. Even Jesus had a lot of people who had thoughts about who he was.

What I find so interesting about this passage is that in the very next paragraph, Peter is back in the weeds misunderstanding Jesus—so much so that Jesus compares Peter to Satan! Our boy Peter was all over the place trying to understand who Jesus was and what he was really about. Honestly, I think we all have had a hard time coming to grips with exactly who Jesus is ever since.

The Mosaic of Identity

Maybe we all have a really hard time understanding who we are as we filter through all the thoughts from other people. Are we all this or all that? I imagine most of us are much more complex than the all-or-nothing ways of thinking. Do we really know anyone at all? The complexities of our different roles certainly add to the interpretation of who people think we are.

My children and my wife certainly know a version of me that is rarely seen by other people. The folks I work with see a version of me that may not be on display elsewhere. Then there are those who look to me for guidance and to bring words of hope and love from God. They certainly see a part of who I am that is unique. But am I all those different components of how people think of me? I certainly aspire to be the best part of all these, but I know that is not always the case.

The Core of Who We Are: Loved and Valued Beyond Measure

I’ll tell you what is true: I am all of those complexities and interpretations, and yet there is a core of who I am—and who you are—that transcends all of the labels and categories. You and I are what some people think, but we are so much more. We are loved beyond measure; we have inherent value and worth. Like Peter, we can sometimes hit the target and other times meander in the weeds, but through it all, we are beloved. I believe we are beloved by God.

Part of the loneliness and isolation that is taking hold of this world is rooted in how we see ourselves and others. We have forgotten our worth and the worth of our neighbors, no matter the differences we have. May we begin to see ourselves through the lens of the Divine. There is not one of us who hasn’t desired love, forgiveness, understanding, and compassion. If that is what we have desired, then why are we so slow to give it to others? It is a bottomless well, my friends—give it freely, there is plenty to go around. You are the person who deserves to receive and who freely gives love, compassion, forgiveness, and understanding. I hope you continue to be the person I think you are.

Back to John Prine, the one who kicked off my meandering thoughts for today. Part of who I am is a big John Prine fan. I leave you today with a duet between John Prine and Nanci Griffith (they both left this world way too soon) as they sing one of my favorite John Prine songs—a song fitting for someone who is engulfed in loneliness research.

So, I dont publish frequently enough to have compensation but I have decided to add this option, Buy Me a Coffee. This is a small way to contribute to some creative projects I have in mind. Feel free to contribute or ignore, you are loved either way :)