He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:15
From our perspective, this seems like a trick question. But I wonder if our ideas about Him are not that far removed from the those held by the crowd in Jesus’s day.
Some said He was John the Baptist.
Someone who preached about the good things to come.
Are we always looking to “someday,” waiting rather than seizing the moments we’re given?
Some said He was Elijah.
Someone marked by demonstrations of power and miracles.
Are we looking for the dramatic rather than appreciating the quiet?
Some said He was Jeremiah.
Someone who denounced the corruption in his society.
Are we so discouraged by our surroundings that we lose hope?
But if He is the Christ … (and He is)
He is the Son of the Living God.
He is the fulfillment of all God’s promises.
He is the embodiment of all God’s love and mercy and grace.
He is the appointed ruler over all.
Including me.
Now, the question I have to answer is …
Am I denying myself to follow Him?