Who Do You Say He is?

He (Jesus) says to them, “But whom do you pronounce Me to be?”  And Simon Peter answering said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:15-16 Berean Literal Bible

He (Jesus) said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:15 NKJV

God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 ESV

“Who do you say that I am?” Recently, as I’ve thought through this pointed question Jesus posed to His disciples, the word, “say,” seemed to lift off the page. Holding that specific word up to the light and allowing the question to penetrate my own heart, I wondered how I would answer the Lord Jesus and, what do I say to those around me, about who Jesus is?

Of course, I agree with Peter, but beyond that, who do I say Jesus is? With my lips, I often speak of His goodness and great faithfulness and His sovereign control over all things.  I speak of His ability to walk us through the jagged valleys of real life, and the comforting truth of His ability to cause all things to work together for our good and His glory. I boldly sing (admittedly, off-key) that He is the Way Maker, our Solid Rock and Mighty Fortress. Confessing that He is our Provider and Sustainer.

The probing question the Lord brings to my heart (and now yours) is this; does my life reflect who I say Jesus is? What happens when I bump up against no paycheck, illnesses, the grip of anxiety, or betrayal or deep disappointment? Can others see His great faithfulness displayed in my life, despite tragedy or loss? Is my profession backed up by my life’s actions and reactions? I must admit, not always. But I want it to be.

Does my life reflect who I say Jesus is?

Back to the beginning. I say that Jesus Christ is God made flesh, who came to die for my sin debt. He my Redeemer, my Lord and my God. I have experienced Him as my Comforter, my Rock and High Tower and my Strength in times of trouble.

What about you? Who do you say Jesus is? Do you need to start where Peter did, acknowledging that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God? Do you know Jesus as the Comforter because He’s comforted you in a crisis? Do you know Him as Sustainer because He’s sustained you through years-long trials? Do you know Him as Healer, as He’s healed your heart, your marriage, your soul or your body?

Who do you say Jesus is?

Let’s pray…

Lord Jesus, You are Lord of Lords and King of Kings, and You are my Savior. My sustainer, my Provider and my God. Cause my words to match my life, in honor to You and for Your glory. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus