Who Do You Say That I Am?

January 26

Genesis 45-46

Psalm 16:7-11

Proverbs 3:17-18

Matthew 16

Who Do You Say That I Am?

“He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’  and Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.’”  Matthew 16:15-16 LSB

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.  For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul. Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul.’”  Matthew 16:24-26 LSB

This is the most important question we must ask ourselves.  Who do we say He is?  Do we believe that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God?  Do we believe that He died on a cross to pay the penalty for our sins, was buried and raised Himself from the dead three days later?  Do we really believe that He is sitting on His throne in Heaven next to the Almighty God and that one day He will return to take us to be with Him?  If we really believe that then nothing else matters.  All of the splendor of this world is meaningless.  Any achievements, power, money, status, etc. that we may gain in this life is of no value if He is not our Lord and Savior.  There are only two choices; Jesus and anything else.  There are not lots of paths to God.  Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except by Me.”  John 14:6 LSB 

            If we truly believe He is who He says He is then we will be willing to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him.  Denying ourselves means giving up our interests and desires and putting His plans and priorities above our own. It is making Him the center of our lives, not just an addition to it.  This does not come naturally.  We are able to do this only through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us. Taking up our cross means we are willing to identify with Jesus’ rejection, suffering and even death if that is the path He has for us.  Our commitment to Christ leads us to face any persecution we experience because of Him with grace and perseverance.  Following Him means that we let Him lead wherever He chooses.  This is not an easy path.  It is not for the uncommitted.  There is a high cost to following wherever He leads. It involves recognizing that we are not in charge, He is and submitting to His authority.  The only reason we would be willing to do this is because we believe that He is indeed God.  We owe Him everything and know He is our only hope.  Who do you say that He is?