One of Jesus' Most Important Questions

But what about you? He asked. Who do you say I am?

Matthew 16:15

 

During His earthly ministry, Jesus stood out as unique among men. Though all agreed Jesus was no ordinary man, opinions greatly varied as to who Jesus was. Some labeled Jesus as an imposter. Others said He was a good teacher or good man. Others said He was who He claimed to be.  Likewise, today men hold various beliefs about who Jesus is.

It is important for us to understand who Jesus claimed to be. He claimed to be the long awaited Messiah, the Christ. (John 4:26) He claimed to be the Son of God. (Luke 22:70) Jesus proclaimed, “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30) These are very bold, profound claims.

One day Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” The disciples responded with various opinions, and then Jesus asked, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:13, 15) Jesus asked this question to the disciples, but actually, it is a question that every man must answer at some time in his life. Who do you say Jesus is?

Peter responded to Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) Peter believed Jesus was who He claimed to be, and he boldly confessed his belief. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

 I once met a Cuban man named Alexander. As a young man, he didn’t believe in God. While trying to escape to America, Alexander was arrested and imprisoned. He’d never seen a Bible, but while in prison he met a man who had a Bible. He began reading it every night. At first he didn’t believe what he read, but then he prayed, “Lord, if You are real, reveal Yourself to me.” The words of the Bible began to come alive as Jesus began revealing Himself to Alexander. Alexander came to believe Jesus is exactly who He claims to be, and now he boldly proclaims to all, “Jesus is my Lord.”

Who do you say Jesus is? Do you believe Jesus is Who He claimed to be? Can you wholeheartedly testify, “Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!”?  If not, will you begin reading the Bible daily?  Each time you read begin by praying, Lord Jesus, if You are real, will You reveal Yourself to me? Give me eyes to see You, not as others see You, but as You really are. Amen.

 Jan Burkhart