Questions From Jesus: #1. Who do you say I am?”

Questions, questions—we are bombarded with so many questions! Questions from others, questions that arise from life’s situations, questions from ourselves. Well Jesus asked questions too, but remember He is omniscient! He does not solicit information by asking questions. So why did Jesus ask questions? He did so to give someone opportunity to respond in faith. Let’s explore some of Jesus’ questions.

The first we will explore is found in Matthew 16:15 But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

It is important to frame this question in context. Jesus was with His disciples in the region of Caesarea Philippi(Matt. 16:13). This city, built on a rock, was dedicated to false gods-Caesar who proclaimed himself as a god and the false god Pan. In the midst of idolatry, Jesus asked a question; “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” (Matt. 16:13). The disciples answered, some say you are John the Baptist or Elijah, or even Jeremiah. Then Jesus turned the question to them, But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter, under the unction of the Holy Spirit, answered “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus followed this answer, but affirming that this truth was from the Father in Heaven. Many believe that Peter was the rock. There is some truth to that. His name meant rock and he would be the foundation in the establishment of the early church. But the truth that Peter spoke was a rock. Rock solid faith in the deity of Jesus Christ! That IS the foundation of the Church. It IS foundational to our faith!

The question that Jesus asked is still being asked today. “What about you? Who do you say I am?” Can we, for a minute, set aside the deep rote answers that we’ve come to know and truly look into our heart? Who is Jesus to you? Is he Savior and friend? Is He a supernatural handyman sought only in a time of need? Is He hobbies that we reach for when we have nothing better to do? Is He the Sunday morning box to check on my to-do list? Who Jesus is to you is a very personal declaration. If you have not answered that question, think about it, ponder for as long as you need, but answer that question for yourself.