“But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say that I am?” (Luke 9:20)
Read Luke 9:18–26.
In this passage, Jesus moves from a general knowledge to the specific. Therefore, I put it to you also: What do people around you say about Jesus, and who He is? Who do you say that He is? Our answer to that determines what can unfold from there. We each need to give our answer.
Peter’s immediate response was, “The Christ of God”, in other words, the Promised Messiah! It may seem strange that Jesus then warned them not to tell anyone. The people were waiting for the Messiah, but their expectations of the Messiah were very different to those Jesus had from the Father. Peter recognized but did not understand. The people didn’t recognize or understand. They needed further teaching before Jesus could publicly identify Himself. He had a crucial schedule to keep and would not be interrupted by premature and superficial reactions. Yet immediately, Jesus started predicting His death.
Words matter. Words are important. They carry life — and/or death. What you say about Jesus determines whether your life is lost or saved.
When we want to hold on to our lives, we can easily forfeit the life that really matters. When we are willing to let go of our lives, to place them and ourselves in the Lord’s hands and be available to Him, we are likely to discover the fullness of life that Jesus alone can give us. We won’t find that by grasping, but by yielding to Him, surrendering our will to His will for us. That is the risk and response of faith.
To follow Jesus requires self-denial, self-surrender and the obedience of faith that enables us to endure suffering, building our character through perseverance and hope that holds on to God’s love by the power of the Holy Spirit within us (Romans 5:1–5). Being available to Him, the Spirit can work the Father’s purposes in us and then through us to others around us. This is hard, it won’t come easy. Each day we’re confronted with choices on how to think, speak and to be. This takes constant prayer, practice, and focus.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for asking me also who I say You are. Here’s my response to You [tell Him in your own words]. Amen.
Pray, praise, give thanks, and stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
