Who Do You Say I Am?

Daily Reading: Matthew 16

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”(Matthew 16.13-16, NIV)

Devotional Thought: Just a few days ago, I found myself in a familiar situation - standing with a family in a pre-op room.  We had prayed and "transport" was in the room to roll my friend - who was also my pastor! - down to surgery.  My friend introduced his wife Susan, and then pointed to me and said, "That's my pastor."  I immediately wanted to correct him - "No, no, no.  I'm retired.  I'm really just a friend."  I checked myself, though, for I realized in that moment he was giving me the best compliment he could think of.  I represented the Good Shepherd to him.

Jesus was concerned with how people saw him: "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"  The disciples had a quick answer: People see you according to their own pre-conceived notions.  That is still true today.  Each one of us sees Jesus through the prism of our experiences and needs.  That's not a bad thing, because it leads to Jesus' second question: "Who do you say I am?"

When we set aside all the claims of others, all the theology, all the wishful thinking, who do we say that Jesus is?  Simon Peter's answer boils it down to the most important thing we can grasp.  "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."  Every other name of Jesus - Messiah, Lord, Savior, Healer, Teacher, King, Master - must be understood based on the fact that he's the Son of God.

Who do you say Jesus is?

Prayer: Jesus, you are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.  Help me show this truth to others that they, too, may know you as Lord and Savior.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 91.1-8

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. ” 3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. 5 You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.