Who Do You Say I Am?
by Luke Shin, Middle School Coordinator
If Jesus asked you, “Who do you say I am,” what would you answer? There was a similar question in a Youth Alpha Series video, where people on the street were asked who they think Jesus is. Some answers from the video and from our youth: a man with long hair, a man with slippers (Jesus Slippers), the face of grilled cheese, a friend, God’s Son, the man on the cross.
As we read today’s Scripture passage, let’s look at how people saw Jesus during those times.
Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.” (Luke 9:18-20)
Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” This is such a real and raw question. It makes us really dig deep in our hearts to see where we are with God and how we see God.
Hopefully we all will come to the point where we can say what Peter said––“God’s Messiah.” I do see Jesus as God’s Messiah, but when I say that, there is always another question that lingers in my mind: “Am I living a life that Jesus is God’s Messiah?” This is a very sobering question that helps me realign myself to God.
I hope I get to remind myself to live a life that Jesus is God’s Messiah by reading more of God’s Word. Some of the youth and I have been going through the “Bible in One Year” reading plan together. During the process I have learned that I am not the best at keeping a routine and keeping up with my daily Bible readings. Don’t worry if you, too, have a hard time sticking to a reading plan because reading the Bible can be hard at times. But keep trying!
As we enter the season of Lent, my hope is to realign myself with God. To grasp who He really is and to also catch up on my readings.
So who do you think Jesus is? And are you living a life that reflects your answer?
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank You for sending Jesus to Earth to be the Messiah. As we go through the season of Lent, give us the strength needed to dig deeper into who You are and to be in a more intimate relationship with You. I thank You for all that you are doing. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
