What can we learn about identity from the phrase "Who are you?"

The Moment the Question Was Asked

Acts 9:5 — “‘Who are You, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ He replied.”

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Why Saul Had to Ask

• Saul believed he was serving God, yet he was fighting Christ’s church; the collision exposed a false foundation.

• The blinding light (Acts 9:3) forced him to confront reality: his credentials and zeal could not define him.

• Identity apart from Christ is always inadequate; sooner or later truth breaks in and demands a reckoning.

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What Jesus Reveals About Himself

• Jesus names Himself plainly: “I am Jesus.” No allegory, no symbol—literal, living Person.

• He stakes personal claim: “whom you are persecuting.” To attack believers is to attack Him (cf. Matthew 25:40).

• Lordship is immediate; Saul addresses Him as “Lord” even before knowing His name, underscoring Christ’s undisputed authority.

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Lessons on Our Own Identity

• True identity begins with meeting Jesus. Until that happens, even the most sincere efforts misfire (Proverbs 14:12).

• Conversion is not self-improvement; it is death and resurrection (Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:17).

• Our past—whether religious pride like Saul’s or open rebellion—no longer defines us (Philippians 3:7-9).

• Being “in Christ” grants a new name and status: children of God (John 1:12), a chosen people (1 Peter 2:9).

• Union with Christ means our value rests on His finished work, not on fluctuating feelings or human labels (Ephesians 1:3-7).

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Living Out This Truth

• Anchor daily self-talk in Scripture: declare what God says instead of rehearsing old identities.

• Walk in obedience; Saul immediately obeyed the instruction to enter the city (Acts 9:6), showing identity and mission intertwine.

• Embrace the church; Saul was sent to Ananias for healing and commissioning (Acts 9:17-19). Identity in Christ is confirmed and nurtured in community.

• Expect opposition and misunderstanding; the same crowd that once applauded Saul now plots against him (Acts 9:23), yet his new identity holds firm.

• Keep the question alive—not in doubt, but in worship: continually behold who Jesus is, and your own identity in Him stays clear (2 Corinthians 3:18).