This blog thought began with me pondering and studying scripture passages where Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?”. Wikipedia defines Jesus as a first-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. Sadly, it then says that “most” Christians believe he is the incarnation of God the Son and the awaited Messiah. Wait, what…“most Christians” believe Jesus is God?? Belief in him as the Son of God is the very foundation of Christianity! Research by the Barna Group in 2014 shows “Millennials are the only generation among whom fewer than half believe Jesus was God (48%). About one-third of young adults (35%) say instead that Jesus was merely a religious or spiritual leader… “
Dismally, we live in a world today where some create their own identity of Jesus. We can create a view in our minds of Jesus being our skin color; being okay with our sin; being of the same mind as our political party, etc. However, Jesus’ identity is non-negotiable. We can’t believe he is good apart from believing he is God. Who we believe Jesus to be is of upmost importance…it is vital and central to our faith.
During the Christmas season, the Christmas story is acted out in cute children’s plays; our trees have “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” ornaments; and, Nativity scenes light up our lawns. There is nothing wrong at all with these things, but if Jesus is not recognized as our Savior and the Son of God, Christmas and all associated things are meaningless. A.W. Tozer says “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us…” (The Knowledge of the Holy [New York, 1961])
Differing viewpoints on the identity of Jesus have existed since he walked this earth. We read in Matthew 16:13-18:
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
A few different aspects stand out to me in this passage:
- Several thought Jesus was a great prophet re-incarnated or that a prior prophet’s spirit rested on him. (Moses had foretold of a coming Prophet in Deuteronomy 18.) They were totally missing who he was. Despite him saying that he and the Father were one, the miraculous signs, and his knowledge and insight, he just didn’t fit the package they thought he should. John 14:11 says “Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.”
- Simon Peter confirmed Jesus’ true identity. Recognizing Jesus as God was a revelation given by the Father. The Church is built upon this revelation…it is foundational.
- Jesus saw Peter apart from his faults. We often see someone with their failures in the forefront, shining brightly, but Jesus saw who Peter was becoming and established Simon son of Jonah as Peter. The Father revealed the depth of Jesus’ identity to Peter… and Jesus saw the best of Peter just as he sees us through the eyes of redemption.
If Jesus stood before you today and asked, “Who do you say I am?”, what would be your answer? What do you think your children, family, and friends might say? As we enjoy and engage in this Christmas season, may we take time to reflect on and tell others who Jesus is. True, he was once a baby, teacher, leader, friend, young boy, brother, etc. But, most importantly, HE WAS and IS TODAY the Messiah, the Son of the living God.