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Matthew 16: "Who Do You Say I Am?"

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After reading Matthew 16 and mulling it over for a while, all my thoughts just refocused on Jesus’ question, “But what about you…who do you say I am” (v.15)? Then also Peter’s response on behalf of the disciples, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v.16). Jesus couldn’t get any more personal, could he? Nope. Peter’s response couldn’t get any better, could it? Nada.

It is late evening now and Jesus’ question has been on my mind all day. I’ve been thinking, “How might I answer that question, ‘Who do you say I am?’ if Jesus himself stood before me seeking an answer from me. Would I answer with a catchy t-shirt slogan like, “Jesus is my homeboy?” Would I be too general because of nervousness?

There is no doubt that I would declare Jesus as my Savior-God’s Holy Spirit has created, sustained, and strengthened my faith in Christ Jesus to know and believe that he is exactly that! But would my confession of Jesus have a personal flavor to it? All three accounts of this confession (Mt 16; Mk 8:27-29; Lk 9:18-20) describe Jesus as the “Christ.” I like to think that “Christ” was how Peter knew Jesus best, He knew him as the promised Messiah, the “Anointed One” of God, that was fulfilling all of God’s plans of salvation. But he didn’t always declare that as boldly as he does here in Matthew 16 (remember Peter’s denial of Jesus in Matthew 26:69-75). Yet, Peter sorrowed over that sin and still believed in the forgiveness that was his in Jesus. His faith grew stronger over time by the power of the Holy Spirit. The same Holy Spirit inspired him to write and confess that Jesus also is “the living Stone” (1 Peter 2:4). His confession of Jesus Christ grew and took on even more meaning than before.

But what about me? Who do I say that Christ Jesus is? How do I personally know Christ? Some of my most recent life events lead me to confess that he is my “Good Shepherd” (Jn 10:14) of my life and faith (and the lives/faith of his flock which I serve), and that he is the “Light of the World” (Jn 8:12). My confession of Jesus has also grown, just like Peter. It reflects the time that I have spent with him in his Word. It reflects a deeper appreciation for what he means to me on a daily basis. It reflects the relationships I grow in with my family, both at home and in my church.

So, I ask you to ponder and contemplate Jesus’ question for yourself, “What about you…who do you say that I am?” Consider it, apply it to your life, and respond if you wish.

In Christ’s Light, Pastor A.