Who is He?
This is perhaps one of the most memorable moments from the Big Brother TV series where Nikki, now famously, exclaimed
Who is she?
Nikki, in her anger and frustration, was not asking for the name of the person, or even wanting a bit of background history – she was questioning the very sense of who the person was. What right have they got to say the things they’re saying? What are they about? Why is she having an effect on my world?
It’s a question the disciples, and others, are regularly caused to ask about Jesus?
A Storm
35That evening, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the east side.” 36So they left the crowd, and his disciples started across the lake with him in the boat. Some other boats followed along. 37Suddenly a windstorm struck the lake. Waves started splashing into the boat, and it was about to sink.
38Jesus was in the back of the boat with his head on a pillow, and he was asleep. His disciples woke him and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re about to drown?”
39Jesus got up and ordered the wind and the waves to be quiet. The wind stopped, and everything was calm.
40Jesus asked his disciples, “Why were you afraid? Don’t you have any faith?”
41Now they were more afraid than ever and said to each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Who is this man? What’s he all about? Why is he getting under my skin? What does it all mean?
Anyone who’s ever been caught up in a storm knows how terrifying, and unpleasant it can be. The disciples are, quite justifiably, scared – and yet where is Jesus – asleep in the back of the boat. The boat is being tossed about, water is starting to come in – and he, apparently, sleeps on.
Jesus, we’re going to drown – don’t you care?
Who is this man who can apparently sleep through a storm. Who is this person who claims to be taking them on a new journey, yet doesn’t seem to care if they die along the way? What is he all about?
But he wakes up and takes control.
He scolded the wind and silenced the sea.
Jesus is in control, when we recognise it , and when we don’t. He is with us in the storms and in the calm. But the question remains for those who were part of this adventure:
Who is this?
Who is Jesus? It’s a question we all need to answer for ourselves.
It’s a wake up call to us (Tom Wright p 32). Not just what is Jesus all about – but what is that going to mean for us and our lives?
Where are we with him? What is he to us? What are we going to do about it?
In the stillness and reflection of lent, we can take the time to consider these questions. Without distractions or diversion, without fear – to really take time to consider.
Lord
as I journey with you,
as I learn more of you,
I am forced to consider who you are,
what you are about,
and what that means for me.
This Lent, may I take the time
and space
to consider,
that I may be strengthened
and renewed
by your wake up call
to me.
This year, I am again following the Big Read using Tom Wright’s Lent for Everyone – Mark. I’ll reflect here – if you’re following it too, or even if you’re not, please share with me.
Pam's Perambulation 
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