Who is Jesus?

“He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’” Matthew 16:15

Our identification of Jesus Christ is of utmost importance. Is He a poor carpenter’s son or God’s son? Is He a great example of a moral man or the sinless sacrifice for our sins? Is He one way or the only way? This question from Matthew 16 was asked by Jesus to his disciples. He began in verse 13 asking them, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Their answer was this: “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”

If you ask a young person what areas of life most teenagers struggle with, their answer will most likely include—whether they realize it or not—the areas that are the greatest struggle for them personally. Jesus may have known this when He asked His disciples what “people” say about Him. He may have known that their answers would not be generalized but would actually be their own beliefs. Then in verse 15, Jesus left no doubt as to what He was asking. He changed the wording of His question to personalize it for His disciples and for us. He asks you the same question this morning. “Who do you say that I am?” As C.S. Lewis says, we will either answer that He is a lunatic, a liar, or He is Lord. In verse 16, Peter answered how we all should answer. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Who do you say that he is? Answer this question in your heart this morning. Answer it in your worship, in your giving, in your study and attention while God’s Word is being preached. Answer it by standing firm in the truth of His Word and by standing against anything contrary to His Word in His church.