Who Am I
Who Am I
13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
Matthew 16:13
What an interesting question and one that is vital today in our day. As Christians, and especially as Adventists, we have a need to preach Jesus to the people around us. Often we find this to be a difficult task. Why? Because of the question Jesus asked- Who do people say I am?
It’s very important to know someone’s idea on Jesus before presenting Jesus to them. The name Jesus is very loaded. For some, hopefully like yourself, it is a wonderful name full of joy, grace and power. For others, such as Indigenous members who were forced to change their beliefs into a Christian faith, Jesus can have a much darker and negative thing.
Before we speak, it’s important to listen. That is what Jesus was doing here but not for his own good but for the disciples. They needed to realize that their experience with Jesus was different and unique compared to the average person. We need to realize the same thing. Our experience with Jesus and the knowledge we know is a huge blessing that few on this earth have.
After his first question, Jesus asks another.
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Matthew 16:15
Again, this question is vital. How can we preach about Jesus if we haven’t taken the time to truly understand him for ourselves? Why are we talking about him? What makes him special in your own life? These are the questions we need to know before we speak to anyone.
16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 16:16-17
When the right process of questions and hearing is done, this is the result. The Holy Spirit can enter into the conversation and truly do a miracle. This is what God wants to do with you.
God bless,
Pr. Steven Couto