[Jessica Jagerson]

MATTHEW 16 – WHO IS HE?

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked his disciples, saying “Who do you say that I, the Son of Man, am?” Matthew 16:13

The question posed by the Lord Jesus to His disciples, may at first, appear to be trivial. But it’s not. It’s one of the most critical questions that they will have to address in their lives. Jesus asked, “Who do you say, the Son of man is? 

After Jesus questions the disciples, they speedily begin to echo the circulating rumors, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”Jesus was already aware of what others were speculating concerning his person. But Jesus wasn’t interested in what others were saying; He was interested as to what His disciples believed. Jesus responded, “But who do YOU say that I am?”

The response to this question has eternal ramifications. It dictates whether you have peace or chaos, spiritual security or emotional instability, happiness or depression, eternal life or eternal death.

CHALLENGE

Later in Matthew 16, Simon Peter responded wisely to Jesus’s question, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Although Simon Peter knew that Jesus was the Son of God, the real question was what was he going to do about it? Jesus asks, “who do YOU say that I am?”

My friend, who is Jesus to you? And what are you going to do about it? Will you make Him Lord? Will you like Peter, follow Him? Will you pray and study so that you may learn more about your creator, who loves you and has great interest in your person?

Jesus is waiting to hear from you; after all, He has been for a long time.

[Trae Johnson]

The question that Jesus asks people in Matthew 16:13—”Who do you say that I am?”—is the most important question that will ever be asked of someone. It’s not a religious question or a philosophy question. It’s a relationship question. It’s not what they’re saying about me—my parents, my church, the world—it’s what I truly believe in here.

Peter’s answer: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”—is bold and truthful. But as the devotional says, understanding who Jesus is must lead to a response. Truth demands change. If Jesus is truly the Son of God, then all else must give way.

This devotional challenges me to look inward and respond in more than words. So I think:

It’s easy to echo the faith of others, but Jesus is calling me to know Him for myself. He wants my heart, not just my head knowledge.

To call Him “Lord” is to surrender my agenda, my ego, and my desires to His plan.

Peter followed after Jesus, and it wasn’t always easy. Following Christ means carrying my cross and trusting Him, even when the way is uncertain.

It takes communication to have a relationship. Prayer and Bible are not tasks—they’re lifelines to the One who loves me so much.

Jesus didn’t die for me alone, He delights in me. That truth should shape how I see myself and how I treat others.

Jesus is still asking: “Who do you say that I am?”

My answer today is simple but sincere, You are my Savior, my King, I will trust You, obey You, and love You with all that I have.

[Erin Kesterson]

I feel like Jesus is asking me to define who I think he is for all that he has done to creat me and love me and carry me from a dark part to bring me back to light. I feel that Jessus needs to know who and where I place him in my life. I use to not know who my lord and savior was. I questioned his love for me with all my failures and trails. After many many attempts I relized that Jesus was the one who gave me the will and strenth to move forward and trust in him and him alone. I know each of us has had different struggles and mine is not harder than anyone else’s. I do believe that Our savior has dealt us all a hand in knowing who he is and in what ways he is here for each and everyone of us. Me it took Jesus sometime to teach and learn how I should put my faith and beliefes back inot that is what i had lost so many years ago to gain the trust of my savior back.

[Mjulius513]

Jesus represents hope, love, and guidance in my life. Acknowledging Him as the Son of God is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in how I choose to respond to that truth.

I strive to make Him the Lord of my life by seeking to understand His teachings and applying them to my daily actions. Following Him means embracing a path of compassion, forgiveness, and service to others, much like Peter did. I commit to praying regularly and studying the scriptures, allowing His words to shape my thoughts and actions.

I believe that nurturing this relationship is essential, as it deepens my understanding of His love and purpose for me. Jesus’s invitation to connect and grow is always open, and I aim to respond with an open heart and a willingness to learn.

[Author]

Posts