What do you say?
Then Jesus and his disciples went away to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Tell me, who do people say I am?" "Some say that you are John the Baptist," they answered; "others say that you are Elijah, while others say that you are one of the prophets." "What about you?" he asked them. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah." Mark 8 : 27 - 29 (GNB) |
Here we see Jesus asking two questions to his disciples. On the face of it, the questions are very similar. The difference is just a single word. However, this one little word completely changes the question.
The first question is simple, many people who had seen Jesus or the crowd that followed him would probably be able to give pretty much the same answer.
Even those who didn't like Jesus, such as religious leaders (Pharisees) would have probably said the same thing. After all, this first question is simply about gauging public opinion. Something not too different from what researchers for brands and products do today when they ring you up to ask you a few questions.
The second question is more tricky, and the answer to it will vary greatly from person to person. This question moves the focus from the crowd, from reporting on other people, to just looking at yourself and what you think. Here there is no hiding behind anyone else or their opinions, the spotlight is firmly on you.
Have a think about what your response would have been if you were in John's shoes. What would you say to Jesus if he asked you "Who do you say I am?". Would you be able to say like John "You are my Messiah... the only one I can rely on to keep me safe forever"?
Whatever your answer to this question today might be, this week take a moment to ask God to reveal to you who he wants to be in your life. Have a great week.
This week's song is That's how you change the world by Newsboys. |
Header image by: Streuli Silvan via Free Images