Who Do You Say I Am?

by | Apr 8, 2014 | Author: Craig Curtis, Discipleship

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:13-16 (ESV)
     We are presented with one of the most important questions from Jesus in Matthew 16. He begins with asking His disciples who people during this time are saying that He is. He of course has a purpose in this question. Who do people today say that Jesus is? A great teacher? A Prophet? One of the ways to God? Many people today have different reactions to the name Jesus, just as the people of the Biblical age did.

Jesus then takes it to a very personal level. He asks the disciples who they say that He is. Outside of what the culture says, who do YOU say that He is? We are constantly saying who Jesus is. We do this with both words and actions. Who does the Christian sticker on the back of your vehicle say Jesus is while you cruise down 281? Who does the Christian T-shirt you wear while out with your family in the mall say that Jesus is? What are your actions at work proclaiming about Christ when you don’t receive the promotion you should have? What do your words proclaim about the Son of God? It is also possible that those surrounding you aren’t even sure what you are proclaiming. Is it obvious that you are proclaiming Christ, and Him alone?

As Christians we are to proclaim Christ through both words and actions. Each one of us is like an animal with the branding marks of our maker burnt upon our skin. Do those around you know whose you are? Who do YOU say that the Son of Man is each day?