Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
In Mark 8:27-29, we find Jesus questioning His disciples as they walked: “27 On the way, He asked His disciples, ‘Who do people say I am?’ 28 They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah and others say You’re one of the prophets.’” Then Jesus turned to them and asked them, “29 ‘But what about you? Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah.’”
During holidays like Christmas or Easter, it’s pretty easy for those of us who follow Christ to answer Jesus’ question. As we celebrate His birth or His resurrection, it’s easy to say that Jesus is the Son of God or the Savior of the world.
But what about on other days when we don’t have a holiday to remind us, who do we say that Jesus is then?
As special needs parents, we have plenty of circumstances that might cause us to question who Jesus is to us. Although we know from Scripture that He is “the same yesterday, today, and forever,” our circumstances, if we let them, can steal our focus and make us think that somehow - in our current hardship - He has changed. We can end up doubting His goodness and faithfulness and begin pulling away from Him - sometimes without even realizing it.
In Matthew 16:13-15, we find this same scene of Jesus questioning His disciples. But in Matthew’s account of the story, Jesus responds to Peter, calling him “blessed” because His “Father in Heaven” had revealed the truth of Jesus’ identity to Peter.
And our Father in Heaven has revealed this same truth to us in His Word. When our circumstances ask us, “Who do you say Jesus is now?,'“ His Word helps us to know and say what’s true. So, we too are blessed.
I took the opportunity recently, after my son experienced an unexpected health crisis, to consider who Jesus had been to me and my family during this challenge. If He were to ask me, “Who do you say that I am?,” how would I respond?
Looking back, I’d say He was:
A Safe Harbor and Comforter: As I struggled with fear and confusion over my son’s declining health, the LORD invited me to share my honest concerns with Him - with the safety of no condemnation. He heard my heart and offered the promise of His comfort.
A Warrior: As I prayed about my son’s health, the LORD assured me that He would fight for him (Ex. 14:14).
An Ever-Present Protector: I asked the LORD to protect my son from fear as he underwent major surgery. The LORD responded that He had gone before Myles and would never leave him. Therefore, he need not fear (Dt. 31:8).
Healer: The LORD provided a new kidney for Myles.
The Way Out of No Way: He provided a way forward that we had not seen and that exceeded our expectations.
Awesome in His Faithfulness: Throughout our journey, the LORD demonstrated His great love and power. He confirmed, in amazing ways, that His plans are for our good.
That would be my answer if He asked. And if anyone else asked.
What about you? If Jesus asked you, “In your current circumstance, who do you say I am?,” how would you respond?