Matthew 16:13-15 Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Jesus often used a method we might call an ice-breaker question that he then followed up with what I’m calling a truth question. In this verse the ice-breaker question is; “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
A possible way of considering that question in this turbulent and sometimes confusing season might be:
- Do you ever view the news and events surrounding you through a spiritual lens?
- What spiritually-related news headline has gotten your attention recently?
- Based on what you see, who does the world say Jesus is?
Jesus’ follow-up truth question was; “But what about you?” “Who do you say I am?” Some possibilities for thinking about that question that we might ask ourselves today is:
- Does knowing Jesus change your perception of events?
- How can we use our faith to “filter” the news and events around us?
- Are events and opinions surrounding you influencing you more than God is influencing you?
- Do we let the world control us, or do we let the presence of Jesus in our lives control the world?
- How do/can we do this? Or how might we improve the way we do it?
- How can we support and encourage one another?
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! (don’t be afraid) I have overcome the world.”If you believe that this is true, what difference, if any, will/should that make in your life in the way you perceive events and opinions that surround you?
Lord, please help us learn to trust You fully and to live a life that is more than just the “sum of my human existence”. Give us the strength to face life’s challenges so that we may feel peace in our hearts and feel the Blessings we will always have through You as we walk in the light.
- Tom Kirk
