“On Remembering Who He Is”

In reality, it all comes down to how we answer this question:

“Who do you say I am?”

Yes, after asking His disciples who others thought He was, Jesus looked at them and asked that pointblank question.  And, good, ‘ole Peter—the self-appointed, loud-talking, hard-charging leader of that “Band of Brothers”—quickly said “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:13-16).

Jesus immediately smiled and said “You’re blessed, Simon, son of John: because flesh-and-blood hasn’t revealed this unto you; instead, My Father Who’s in Heaven did that” (v.17).  

Most likely, Peter began to get puffed up at pride, thinking he was quite “spiritual” and “favored by God;” however, just a few minutes later Jesus was rebuking him for talking and acting like the devil himself (vv.21-23).

Yes, Peter was larger-than-life and definitely a man of extremes: one minute walking on water and the next minute sinking beneath the waves.  One minute saying “I’ll never deny You!  In fact, I’ll even go to prison and die for You, Jesus;” yet, the next minute denying Him three times (as Jesus said he would) as the rooster crowed and the Savior looked (Luke 22:31-34, 54-61).

Almost sounds like us, doesn’t it?  In fact, it sounds exactly like us.

Most assuredly; that’s why it’s important for us to learn from their victories and defeats—successes and failures—so we can avoid making the same mistakes they did.

And, that’s where Jesus’ question of “Who do You say that I am?” is definitely the most important, life-changing question we’ll ever answer in life.  Why is that?  Simply because our answer reveals if we truly believe in the one, true-and-living God or are trusting in a false god and counterfeit christ.

Look at it this way: it wasn’t until after Jesus’ Resurrection, Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost that the disciples became thoroughly convinced of Who Jesus was/is.  Prior to that, they still saw Him as a mighty man or powerful prophet, possessing great power and authority.

However, after the Spirit came and the “fire fell,” Peter became the powerful preacher of Pentecost whose words brought great conviction: resulting in 3,000 new believers that day and an additional 5,000 a few days later (Acts 2:14-41; 3:12-4:4).

And, never again would he, John or the other Apostles be timid in their words and witness: because they knew the Truth “and the Truth (Jesus) set them free” (John 8:31-32; 14:6; Acts 4:12-13, 18-20, 23-37).

The same is true today: being made right with God, i.e., knowing we are forgiven and have eternal life, isn’t found in religion.  It’s found in a right relationship with God which comes being born again and knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord.

This isn’t a “faith-formula” or doctrinal creed where we memorize and can quote the correct tenets of Faith.  The “demons can even do that—and they tremble!” (James 2:19).

No, true, life-changing Faith is truly knowing Who Jesus is. . .that He was/is that preexistent “Word made flesh Who dwelt among us” (the Incarnation). . .and lives within each one who looks to Him in Faith.

For sure, there’ll be many who’ll oppose us—and even persecute or kill us—for believing this: saying “You’re bigoted and narrowminded!!”  But, we mustn’t cower before them; instead, even though we may be “ignorant and unlearned men/women” like the early Apostles, we can still have great boldness: because we’ve “been with Jesus” (Acts 4:12-13).  Hallelujah!!

So, if someone asks you today “Who is Jesus?” tell them what the Bible says: that He is God, the Creator and Sustainer of all that is—and He’s your Savior and Lord Who gives you “Hope as a sure-and-steadfast Anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:18-20).

Amen and amen.

        (NOTE:  If you’d like to contact Bro. Tom or receive his daily devotional, entitled “Morning Manna,” you can e-mail him at pressingon@hotmail.com).