Who Do You Say Jesus Is?

Daily Reading: Matthew 16

Scripture Focus: But who do you say that I am? (Matthew 16.15)

Devotional Thought: "Who do you think you are?"  That's what the Pharisees asked Jesus.  A short time later, Jesus - who knew exactly who he was - asked a more important question of his disciples: “Who do you think I am?”

What about you?  Who do you think Jesus is?  What is he to you?  Do you see Jesus as some sort of larger-than-life character, a legendary hero who is so perfect, so far above us, that he is unconcerned with our lives?  He is too important to even notice me…  Or, we may go in the opposite direction.  It is tempting to mold Jesus into our image, making him like us – having the same ideas and preferences, liking the same music and worship, being of the same political party, getting annoyed over the same things that bug us, holding the same values and priorities.  Is that who Jesus is?  A larger-than-life clone of us?  Me with super powers?  Or, perhaps we think that Jesus is like a genie in a bottle.  When we rub the bottle just right and make three wishes, he will give us just what we want.

That’s what Peter and the other disciples wanted Jesus to be.  But, Jesus would have none of that.  When they (correctly) testified that Jesus was the Son of God, he quickly went on to tell them what that meant: suffering and sacrifice, service and submission.  The disciples didn’t want that.  “Never, Lord!”

Who do you say that Jesus is?  Is he the Lord of your life?  Or, are you still trying to call the shots?  If we are really going to follow Jesus, we must deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow him.  Follow him… even to suffering and sacrifice, service and submission.

Prayer: Jesus, you are the King of kings and Lord of lords.  You are my Savior and my God.  I put my trust in you, and I pledge my love, my strength, and my life to you.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 86.11-17

11 Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.

12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.

13 For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

14 O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them.

15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant.

17 Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.