“Driver’s license and proof of insurance please.” The response was, “Do you know who I am?” I inwardly groan and fight the urge to say. “No, I don’t know who you are, but I can’t wait for you to tell me.” Every cop who has ever written a traffic ticket knows this conversation. I don’t think that statement has ever produced the desired result. It tends to motivate the otherwise tedious act of writing the citation. It even adds a degree of satisfaction when justice is served.

Perhaps the greatest “Do you know who I am” story comes from a friend. Let’s call him Jim. Jim worked for another jurisdiction. He was a good cop. Jim didn’t care who you were. One day, that resulted in legend. 

Jim was patrolling a shopping center. He saw a car parked in the fire lane at the yogurt shop. Jim pulled up and got the driver’s attention. He pointed to the “No Parking” sign. Then he asked the lady, “What part of that sign do you not understand?” She wasn’t amused.

“Why don’t you ask my husband,” she said. “He’ll be out in a minute.” Jim didn’t flinch. ”Ok, I think I will,” he said. About that time, an older man walked out of the shop carrying two yogurts. It was the Mayor. Unwilling to back down, Jim asked the Mayor the same question. It didn’t go well. Before Jim made it out of the parking lot, the radio crackled to life. “Bravo-10 report to headquarters.” That’s the day Jim became a legend.

“Do you know who I am?” Jesus asked His disciples a similar question. “Who do you say that I am?” It’s an important question with eternal consequences. Peter understood the assignment. He answered correctly. “You are the Messiah the Son of God.” (Matthew 16:16) Even today, everything rides on how I answer that question.

Thankfully, I don’t have to guess. Jesus answers the question for me. He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)  This shows me the clear path to God. He leaves no other avenue open. 

Jesus also says, ”I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me will live, even after dying.” (John 11:26) Here, He shows me exactly where to place my trust. He makes it simple and He welcomes all who will come. That’s who Jesus is. 

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)