Easter and Biblical Figures' Identity Struggles

This article explores the concept of identity crises as experienced by various biblical figures and connects it to Jesus Christ's own moment of decision in the Garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion. The author, Sarai Hannah Ajai, highlights how an individuals like Moses, Gideon, Esther, Jonah, and Peter wrestled with their sense of self and purpose while being called to serve God. The piece suggests that understanding these struggles with identity provides a deeper appreciation for Jesus' sacrifice and the redemptive plan celebrated during Easter season. Ultimately, it emphasizes that true identity is found in embracing God's will rather than personal desires.

Article:

Easter and the Identity Crisis: The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the Struggles of Biblical Figures

Written by: Sarai Hannah Ajai

As Christians around the world approach the Easter season, a profound and transformative reflection on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ takes place. Easter marks the pinnacle of God’s redemptive plan for humanity, a time when believers remember the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for the salvation of mankind. The significance of this season not only lies in Christ’s victory over death but also in how His identity crisis in the Garden of Gethsemane reveals a crucial aspect of His purpose. As we reflect on Jesus' sacrifice, it is also an opportune time to consider the struggles with identity that many biblical figures experienced in their own journeys of serving God’s purpose. This article seeks to connect the Easter remembrance of Christ’s death to the identity crises of figures such as Moses, Gideon, Esther, Jonah, and Peter, ultimately linking these themes to the final moment in Jesus’ life when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Yet not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39).

The Struggle with Identity: A Shared Experience

From Moses to Peter, the Bible is filled with stories of individuals who struggled to understand who they were and what their purpose was in God’s plan. These figures were not immune to doubts, fears, and confusion, and many of them had significant identity crises. However, each of them was called to fulfill a divine mission, a higher purpose, which required them to surrender their own personal desires and embrace God’s will.

Moses: From Prince to Prophet

Moses’ journey is one of profound identity transformation. Raised as an Egyptian prince in Pharaoh’s palace, Moses lived a life of comfort and privilege. However, his true calling came when he was forced to flee Egypt after killing an Egyptian taskmaster in defense of a Hebrew slave. In exile, Moses struggled with his identity, he was no longer a prince, but a shepherd in a foreign land. When God called Moses through the burning bush, telling him to return to Egypt and free the Israelites, Moses questioned his ability and worthiness for such a task. He asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11).

In this moment, Moses was wrestling with his sense of identity and purpose. Yet, God assured him that He would be with him. Moses’ identity was no longer tied to his status as a prince in Egypt but to his role as a servant leader chosen by God to liberate the Israelites. Moses had to surrender his doubts and fears and embrace the identity God had for him, much like how we are called to serve a higher purpose during the Easter season.

Read Full Article at https://www.saraiajai.com

Nation in Focus Podcast

Nation in Focus Podcast