In Luke 9:18-27, Jesus asks His disciples a crucial question: “Who do you say that I am?” It wasn’t just a theological inquiry; it was an invitation for personal revelation.
At first, Jesus asks what others say about Him. The disciples respond with common opinions of the day—John the Baptist, Elijah, or a prophet. But then Jesus turns the question directly to them: “But who do you say that I am?”
Peter answers, “You are the Christ of God.” He gets it right, but as we see later in the Gospel accounts, his understanding of what that truly meant was still unfolding. And isn’t that true for all of us?
Making It Personal
The way we answer Jesus' question is crucial. Do we rely on what others say about Him, or do we know Him personally? Herod heard about Jesus but never sought a personal relationship with Him. The disciples, on the other hand, walked with Jesus, listened to Him, and saw His miracles firsthand. Their belief in Him was shaped by personal experience.
For us, knowing Jesus isn’t just about reciting correct theology—it’s about living in relationship with Him. Job, after all his suffering, famously said, “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you” (Job 42:5). He moved from knowing about God to truly knowing Him.
How Do We Move from Hearing to Knowing?
- Spend Time with Jesus – Through prayer and the Word, we begin to hear His voice more clearly. It’s in the quiet moments, even when interrupted, that we truly encounter Him.
Obey His Word – Peter obeyed Jesus’ command to cast his net even when it didn’t make sense. Sometimes, following Jesus means trusting Him over our own understanding.
3. Stay in the Boat During Storms – When life gets hard, do we jump ship, or do we cling to Jesus? The disciples saw His power most vividly in the storm.
4. Make Sacrifices to Follow Him – The disciples left careers, comfort, and even family to follow Jesus. True discipleship requires surrender.
5. Share What He’s Done for You – Our testimony isn’t just what we’ve been told; it’s what we’ve experienced. Jesus calls us to be His witnesses.
Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
This question isn't just for Peter or the disciples—it’s for you. Is Jesus simply a name you’ve heard, or is He your Savior, your Lord, your everything?
Take a moment to reflect:
• Who is Jesus to me?
• Do I follow Him only when it’s easy?
• What have I sacrificed to follow Him?
A Prayer for Reflection
God, help me to know You personally, not just through what others say but through real experiences with You. Teach me to trust You, to follow even when it’s hard, and to declare boldly that You are my Savior. Let my life reflect my answer to Your question: “Who do you say I am?” Amen.