Who Is This Man?
There are no questions in life more important than the ones that Jesus asks us…
1. “Who do people say I am?”
Ask that question and you’re sure to get many different answers. Ask it on YouTube and see what people think! A teacher, a prophet, the Savior, the Lord of all, a heretic, a religious zealot, a deceiver, a charlatan?
The world is full of opinions about who Jesus is, and Jesus already knows that. When He asked the question of His disciples they answered this way…
“Some say John the Baptist; others Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” -Mark 8:29
And then there were the Pharisees- they thought Jesus was a blasphemer and worthy of death! There was enough hatred for Jesus, after all, to get Him nailed to a cross. Now Jesus already knows what the world thinks of Him, and the first question is asked only to set us up for the next one…
2. “But who do you say that I am?”
In the end it really doesn’t matter what the world thinks- Jesus wants to know what YOU think about Him.
Peter answered Him, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” – Matthew 16:16
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” -John 6:68-69
During the days that Jesus walked the earth there were those who confidently shouted, “Crucify Him!” There were others who had heard about Jesus but were too busy with other things to care. Some who lived in His day watched and pondered and wondered from a distance. The day will come, though, when Jesus forces the issue, when He asks the question, “Who do YOU say that I am?” He’s not really concerned with what every one else thinks, he wants to know what you think.
It’s one of the most important questions you’ll ever be asked.
