Who do you say I am?
There are some questions in life that require a very personal response. The question that Jesus put to the disciples was one of those. He began by asking them who other people thought he was, but then he drove it home by asking them directly, ‘But what about you? Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah (the one who was promised), the Son of the living God’ (Matthew 16:15-16).
Peter’s response goes beyond intellectual knowledge or hearsay. He doesn’t repeat the comments of others. He speaks from the heart, ‘You are the Messiah (the one who was promised), the Son of the living God.’ This isn’t just a statement of fact, it’s a proclamation of faith which comes with a sense of deep conviction.
The question, ‘Who do you say I am?’ is just as relevant for us today. In a world full of diverse opinions and beliefs, this question forces us to work out our own understanding of who Jesus is for ourselves. We can’t rely on what other people say or confess. Rather, it stems from the personal relationship that we have with Jesus himself.
Peter’s boldness of faith came from experiencing the power and presence of God in his life. The only way we can make that same proclamation today is by the power of the Holy Spirit. As we reflect on the power and presence of God in our lives, we can be driven to make similar bold confessions of faith, even in challenging circumstances.
Jesus went on to give the disciples power and authority to open the gates of heaven to others. In the same way, as we make our bold confession of Christ, God is at work through us provide hope in other people’s lives. That’s quite a responsibility, and hopefully it is one we take seriously as we seek to find appropriate ways to proclaim our faith in an increasingly diverse world.
What about you. Who do you say Jesus is? May the Holy Spirit enable to answer that question with a deep sense of conviction. As you do so, may you do it in a way that brings hope to others.
Stuart Traeger
Spiritual & Cultural Leader
