October 3, 2023: Who Do You Say I Am?

"He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15, ESV)

"Who do you say I am?" is a question of identity. If you do not have a correct image of who Jesus is, you will never truly understand who you are in Christ.

The context of Matthew 16:15 is a place called Caesarea Philippi. It was the location of a freshwater spring and connected to several roadways. Many cultural religions collided here, along with their foreign gods. The twelve start their most intensive training in the chaos and 'uncleanness.' of all these religions. Jesus asks them, "Who do men say I am?" (How do others see me?) Jesus is helping these soon-to-be apostles to focus on Him. It was an all-eyes-on-Jesus moment. In a world of many gods, you have to be able to identify the one true God and fix your eyes on Him.

The next question goes deeper: "Who do you say I am?" (How do you see me?) That is a very personal question! Everyone must answer that question. Peter has the best answer: "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." You are anointed, Messiah. You are the Son of God, sent by the Father. Peter's answer was a revelation from God to Peter! It would be the bedrock foundation on which the church would be built.

Look into Jesus' eyes and answer, "Who do you say I am?"