DAILY DEVOTION, Nov. 11, 2021

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

Years ago, I was confronted by a man on an elevator. He asked me, “Are you who I think you are?” I wasn’t sure how to answer since I didn’t know who he thought I was.  Further exchanges led to the conclusion that I was not who he thought I was. Jesus was questioning His disciples about local scuttlebutt concerning His identity. Different suggestions were made concerning His identity. Then Jesus spoke directly to the disciples. “Who do you say that I am?” That question is also directed to us. It is the most important question we will ever confront. Many assumed Jesus was a prophet, a man of God but a human being.  What do you think?

Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Peter’s answer was loaded with theological implications. First, Jesus is the Christ meaning He is the promised Jewish Messiah. “Christ” is the Greek word for the Jewish Messiah, the anointed One; the One God promised to send to redeem Israel. Second, Son of God refers to His divine nature.  Jesus is more than a prophet. He is God the Son from all eternity. Therefore He is worthy of our wholehearted trust and obedience.

Jesus made no effort to correct Peter. He did not say, “Oh no, Peter, you have given me status way beyond what I deserve.” In fact, Jesus blessed Peter for his answer. But, of course, many rejected Peter’s answer. As a result, Jesus was finally led to a cross and crucified. Jesus asks each of us, “Who do you say that I am?”:

Father, I agree with Peter. Jesus is the Messiah, Your beloved Son. He is my Savior and Lord. I want to trust and follow Him all my days, awaiting that time when I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen.