In the space of just four verses (Luke 9:18-21) Jesus poses two questions to his disciples:
‘Who do the crowds say that I am?’
‘But who do you say that I am?’
The crowds had various theories as to who Jesus was: John the Baptist, Elijah, one of the old prophets (Luke 9:19). Even in the 21st century people continue to have various theories about who Jesus was: perhaps just another religious leader, a prophet, even a good man.
It’s important for each one of us however to consider not only what people in general think of the Lord Jesus, but also the second, personal question, and to come to a personal decision about Him.
Peter’s answer was clear and unambiguous:
‘The Christ of God.’
Peter confessed Jesus as the promised Messiah, sent by God. In the account of this same incident in Matthew 16:16 Peter is recorded as saying
‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’
Jesus is God the Son. He became the only sinless Man ever to live on earth. He willingly gave His life on a cross where He suffered, bled and died. He rose again proving His power over death and demonstrating that His sacrifice is acceptable to God. To all who confess Him as Lord and Saviour He gives eternal life.
In a world where there are so many notions about who Jesus is, it is vitally important that each of us confronts the question
‘Who do you say that I am?’
and comes to the conclusion based on the teaching of the Bible that He is who He claimed to be, the promised Messiah, God become sinless Man, Lord and Saviour.