“Who do you say that I am?” Luke 9:20b
You hope people understand you when you’re at the top of your game. Jesus had just fed ten thousand locals. His reputation was growing in the Galilean countryside and he was gaining rock-star status.
About that time Jesus gathered his disciples for prayer, and while together asked: “Who do the crowds say I am?” The answers came back: John the Baptist, the prophet Elijah, or perhaps another Jewish teacher back from the dead (Luke 9:18-19).
And then Jesus put the question to them, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” Jesus’ question is perhaps the most important question of all time. Who is he?
An idea from my field of communication is that we do not relate with people based on who they are, but on how we label them. Galileans who thought Jesus was John the Baptist or a resurrected prophet were bound to see him as a wonderful teacher who pointed the way to God.
That wasn't it. But Peter got it.
Peter answered Jesus, “God’s Messiah.”
When Jesus heard this He knew His plan was working; the closer people’s walk with Him, the more they knew His true identity.
In one sense we can say that Jesus had no public relations problem then or now. He simply needs us to get to know Him, and when we do, we will understand that He is the Savior of the world, the Messiah.
Of course the second most important question may be: how? How do I come to know the Savior so I may experience first-hand who He is and how much He loves me?
God, I believe Jesus was the One you sent to save us. Forgive me for my sin that I may draw closer to You, to know You for who You really are. Amen.
Take Action
Listen to God’s prompting right now. What is God saying? How might you act on His voice? If it’s been a while since you last heard His voice, check out the series Listen Up.