Scripture

“Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Observation

Jesus asks His disciples what people are saying about His identity. They report that some are saying He is John the Baptist, others Elijah or one of the prophets.

Jesus then asks them, “Who do you say I am?” Peter says that He is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.

Jesus tells Peter that his confession about Jesus was a revelation from the Father, and not the result of human reason. Jesus then says that Peter will now be known, not as Simon, but as Peter- the Rock. Jesus will build the church, and the power of hell will not prevail against it.

Application

Here is the question that we must all answer for ourselves, and it is the question that determines our eternal destiny: “Who do you say i am?”

It is not enough to parrot other people’s opinions- He is Elijah. or a prophet, or a good man or a teacher. It is your confession, your belief, your understanding of Jesus’ identity that determines your salvation.

This is not a question that allows for an intellectual opinion. The answer must come from the heart.

Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” This is an all or nothing answer to an all or nothing question. If Jesus is who He says He is, then I have to give Him everything- my life my ambition, my desires.

Alternatively, I give Him noting and continue living for myself.

This was the understanding that I came to when I first had a vision of Jesus in 1976. that revelation from the Father changed everything for me. I had to choose between a salvation that would cost everything or reject the whole christian story as a myth. There was no grey area. There can be no following of God as a part-time hobby.

“Who do you say I am?”

Prayer

Lord Jesus, for you my salvation cost everything. Help me to give back everything in joyful gratitude. Amen.