13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:13-16
The question of “Who is Jesus,” is a question which God greatly wants to know where each of us stands. It is a question that many in history prophesized would come. It is a question mankind has been seeking to answer since Jesus was born in a manger 2,ooo years ago. God wants to know your position, “Who do you say that Jesus is”?
Jesus asked His disciples this very question after they gave a long list of answers as to whom others were saying Jesus was. Then Jesus said, “How about You?” Peter was the first to answer, and he boldly called Christ the Messiah, the One they had been waiting for.
This was not the first time Peter boldly answered Jesus and demonstrated that he understood who Jesus was. When many deserted Jesus after hearing hard teachings, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked them, “Will you leave me too?” Peter did not have answers to these teachings, but he knew one thing – there was nowhere else to go. Jesus had the words of eternal life (John 6:68).
This is the most important question that sets the trajectory of our life. Many throughout history have called Jesus a teacher, a prophet, and a good man. But if He is just these things, He is an important example from human history that we should consider as we live our lives. However, if we believe Jesus is who He says He is – if He truly is the Messiah, the Lord, the Son of the Living God – it has incredible consequences on how we are to live. He is not only one worthy to be followed rather, He is One we must follow. He is the true source of Life.
If we say Christ is not the Messiah, then we are still in our sins, and we stand unholy, unrighteous and guilty before God our Judge. If we say He is the true Son of God, the Lamb that was slain, we stand before our God holy, righteous and redeemed. We are clothed in His righteousness and glory.
Who do you say that Jesus is? Does your life reflect your answer to this question?