Jesus asked, Who do you say that I am?

²⁷ And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” ²⁸ And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say,Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” ²⁹ And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” ³⁰ And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.  Mark 8

It is a good question to ask people who they think Jesus is.  Much can be learned from that answer.   Some may have no knowledge of who he is for they are ignorant since no one has told them.  This is true of some international students when asked about their knowledge of Jesus, they genuinely want to know who he is. 

Others have a historic understanding of Jesus.  He was a good man that had a major influence on the world in which we live.  They believe he was a real man who had some good teachings.  Many who see him as a Mahatma Gandhi type figure who through peace addressed the government of his time.

Others have a Sunday School fact type understanding.  They were taught many things about Jesus,  He did miracles like multiplying food, walk on water, heal blind and sick people and was a good man.  They may even know that he died on the cross and rose again from the dead.  These are true events that took place in the life and ministry of Jesus.  The writer of James says that even the demons believe this same information and shudder.

This most important question is not about the facts of Jesus, but about your relationship with him.  Peter said that Jesus is the Christ which means the anointed one.  Anointed for what?  Jesus is  a savior!  He removes the blot and barrier of sin that keeps us from relating to God.  When we ask Jesus to save us from our sins, we know him personally.  We become children of God.

When we use words like my and mine, we are using words of intimacy.  When a person has had a real encounter with Jesus you will hear phrases like…He is my shepherd, He watches over me, He forgives me of my sin, He is my savior, and/or he is my lord.

So, how would you answer Jesus question, Who do you say I am?

Father, thank you for loving us so deeply.  Thank you that you give us the opportunity to know you as lord and savior.  Thank you that you allow us to be called your friends.  Help us to live with the consciousness of your abiding presence.  In Jesus Name, Amen.