The Verse of the Day

-July 22, 2020-

Good morning, happy Wednesday,

-The Question Is: Who Is Jesus?-

“He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’”

(Matthew 16:15-16).

Accurately knowing and believing who Jesus is paramount in getting saved and being His disciple. In the verses prior to our text Jesus asked His disciples, “…Who do men say that I, the Son of Man am? They answered, ‘Some say, John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets’” (Matthew 16:13-14).

It is one thing to speak for others who Jesus is, it is quite another to answer it for ourselves. It got them thinking especially when Jesus asked the second question, “But who do you say that I am?” Now it is each one’s personal response that counts. It is not enough to know who He is, we must act on that belief.

Peter was always the disciple who spoke up; he did not always however say the right thing. Here though he gave the exact right answer. Peter was like the student in class always raising his hand and giving the out the answer before others had the chance to do so. Jesus asked a spiritual question and Peter gave a spiritual answer. He responded, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said that flesh and blood had not revealed this to Peter, but His Father in heaven.

He answer was doctrinally and practically correct. He knew Jesus was more than a good rabbi, leader, and teacher: He was the Christ, the Son of the living God. He was holy, sinless, undefiled, and separated from sinners. Someone once said, “Jesus was either who He said He was, or He was a liar or a lunatic.” Jesus was who He said He was and His words, His life, and Scriptures backed it up.

The only other person in the gospel records who made such a wonderful declarative statement was Martha. When Jesus asked her if she believed that He was the resurrection and the life, and that though someone may die, yet shall he live, she said in John 11:27, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

Both Peter and Marta made great statements of their faith in Jesus. Both believed He was the Christ, the Son of God. Marta went a step further and called Him Lord. Only Jesus died for us, only Jesus can save us, forgive our sins, and give us eternal life. Only Jesus is Lord. Only He has the words of eternal life. He is the only way to God.

Now the question all of us must answer is: is “Who do you say that I am?” Before anyone can be saved he must see His need of Jesus, that he is a sinner separated from God and deserving of hell. He must accept God’s remedy for sin: Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our sins as payment in full.

Jesus is Lord, my Lord and Savior. I owe all my allegiance to Him. Who He is and what He has done on the cross has changed my life forever. He is the only way to eternal life and salvation. Let us bow before Him, love and adore Him, live fully for Him, follow Him, and serve Him all our lives.

Have a blessed day as a follower of Christ. Stay safe and healthy.

Dean