Who is He? 

Image from Gordan Johnson found on Pixabay


Matthew 16:15-16 - He [Jesus] said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replies, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."


This is a powerful moment in the Bible. A telling point. The disciples are walking through an area known for its pagan worship and immorality. This is the place where Jesus chose to ask this question to his disciples, surrounded by debauchery and idol worship. He is providing a huge contrast - on one side is Jesus the son of the living God, and on the other side are pagan idols. He is essential saying which of these do you choose? Do you believe that I am the son of God, that as opposed to what you see around you, I am God? Or are you chasing after something else, maybe something easier, something culturally acceptable or seemingly safer? 

Simon Peter responds by saying "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And with that statement he commits fully to Jesus as the Messiah. It is at that moment that Jesus changes Simon's name to Peter and calls him the rock, telling him that He will build His church on this rock. It is God's church but Peter would be a leader in it. These two are connected, Peter had to publicly commit in front of others that he believed Jesus was the Son of God and it is that belief that allows him to lead the future church. He saw what life without Jesus was, and he chose Jesus. 

But that question was not just for Peter and the disciples, it is for everyone who has ever lived. It is for you and me. It is not just for Christians as there will come a time when everyone's answer to that question will matter, even if they have dismissed it in their life. So, ask yourself who do you say Jesus is? Take the time to write down your answer. 

When I did this, this was my response: 

        You are the Messiah. The son of God who is himself God. You are my rescuer, my saviour, shepherd         and comforter. You are radical in your love and call us to be radical. You are my safe haven in the                 storms of life. You put things right. You love me unconditionally. You are my God, my friend, my             all in all. 

Once you have done this ask yourself, if this is what I believe then what difference does it make? Pray for wisdom. 


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