Who Is Jesus? -- March 1, 2009

Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?” So they answered, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.”
Mark 8:27-29

Jesus took His disciples through the region of Caesarea Philippi. It was an area known for its religious character. It was full of temples and gods. On the way there, Jesus chose to ask His disciples about His identity. It seems like a preparatory lesson on His part for His disciples before they engaged the pagan culture they were about enter since they were all Jewish and probably hadn’t been exposed much to other cultures. He asks them two questions: 1.) Who does the world think I am? 2.) Who do you think I am? Peter was right for once.

There is a sense of drama Mark relates Peter’s story of the one time he got it right before Jesus went to heaven. First, he sets the scene by telling us they were on the way to a pagan center of worship. Then you can almost see Jesus stopping in the shade of one of these temples along the way and asking them what the people thought of Him. This technique of starting with our broad knowledge and fine-tuning it down to pinpoint the idea He is teaching seemed to have served Him well. He started with what we know – easy questions and then moved on to the important issues. Who do you say I am? I appreciate how Jesus moves them to the point He really wants to address. Next, wonder of wonders, Peter gets the answer right! From this point on Jesus begins to teach the cost of discipleship. He reveals the hard part of the Kingdom. He will die for them. People in service of the Kingdom will suffer and die too. There will be a cost to follow Jesus.

Jesus knows that we can’t follow Him through tough times unless we settle who He is in our hearts. Today He is asking me the same question. Who do you say I am? If I can properly identify Him as my Savior and Lord then I will be able to follow Him through the pagan places of the world without wondering at the suffering in my life. It is also at this time, retold in Matthew that Christ gives Peter a resounding encouragement. Peter has received revelation from the Father to formulate whom Jesus. Here Jesus makes the switch from Simon to Peter – and not only does Peter find out who Jesus is, He finds out who Peter is.

Lord, help me settle in my heart that you are my Savior so I can pursue You even through hostile situations. Reveal yourself to me so I can know you and find out who I am in your kingdom. Finally give me courage to pay the necessary cost to be like you.

Prepared in Him,

Pastor Jason