What About You?

What about You?

Matthew 16:13-15, NLT

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” 15Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Setting the Scene

We might quickly move on to examine what the disciples said in answer to Jesus rather than stop and listen to the question. We want to keep a safe distance; we would rather Jesus ask someone else his question.

When we realize we must answer this question, we immediately face at least three different responses. The first is evasive. We avoid the question by begging ignorance (I don’t know) or uncertainty (I’m not sure yet; can you get back to me later?), or even deflection (Would you mind asking someone else?). We have avoided the question but not voided it. Jesus’ words continue to haunt us: “Who do you say I am?”

The second answer is the safe answer. We take a quick poll of the surrounding opinions. What is everyone else saying? What is the consensus? Our response is calculated to match what most people say. The answer may be very positive (great teacher, wise man, miracle-worker, even Lord) or negative (liar, lunatic, charlatan). We haven’t actually given our answer; we’ve tried to give the majority answer. But that wasn’t the point of the question, was it?

The third answer is the truth. This answer may actually involve some of the same responses we just looked at, but instead of being calculated to dodge the question, our answer comes from integrity. Perhaps we really don’t know. Or we have honestly assumed that his fame must be because he was either a great teacher or an effective con man. Or we blurt out our faith in Peter-like fashion.

God can work with a truthful response.

Getting Personal

What is your truthful, personal answer to Jesus’ question: “Who do you say I am?”

With whom have you talked recently about your view of Jesus?

When Jesus asks us who we say that he is, he is not just asking so that we will answer him; he’s also asking about how we are sharing the news about him with others. The question assumes we’re telling. If we aren’t letting anyone know that we know him, maybe we don’t.

Talking to God

If you feel less than confident about your own response to this important question posed by Jesus, ask the Lord to give you wisdom and to show you clearly from his Word who he really is. When you have settled this question before the Lord, ask him to give you opportunities to share with others what you’ve discovered.