And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him. (Mark 8:27-30 ESV).
When we meet people and get to know them a bit, it’s not unusual to ask each other about work or hobbies or other interests. We look for information to learn about others and to see what we might have in common. It would be rare, though, to hear a question like this one that Jesus asked: “Who do you say I am?” And yet this is one of Jesus’ most important questions because it focuses on his identity and purpose.
While we can learn a great deal from the answers the disciples gave to Jesus, we must realize that this question must be answered by each of us as well. And it is not an easy question. It takes deep thought and reflection because our response will reveal how we go about our everyday life and in whom (or what) we believe and have faith.
Peter answered Jesus by saying, “You are the Messiah”—that is, the Christ, the Son of God, who came to save us from sin and death. And if we say the same, we declare that our faith and life are grounded in Jesus Christ. This affects how we pray, how we interact with others—how we live our whole lives. It also directs us to find peace and security in the Lord who loves us and has this world in his hands.
On the other hand, should we be less assured or tentative and merely think that maybe Jesus is the Messiah, that will affect our lives too. Our security and self-assuredness will be shaky. Our foundation will feel less secure. It requires thought, though that is not the only determining factor in our answer. Even with Peter, Jesus explains that it is only by the power of the Holy spirit he is able to answer with such a declaration. It requires faith.
As we begin these devotionals reflecting on Jesus’ questions, who do you say Jesus is?