Luke 9:18-20
One day as Jesus was alone, praying, he came over to his disciples and asked them, "Who do people say that I am?"
"Well," they replied, "some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other ancient prophets risen from the dead."
Then he asked them, "Who do you say that I am?"
Peter replied, "You are the Messiah sent from God."
OBSERVATION
On this occasion, Jesus asks the disciples two questions. The first question, "who do others say that I am?," is a safe one to answer. It's based on other people's opinions, beliefs and commitments. The answer to it has no bearing on the lives of the disciples. The second question, "who do you say that I am?," can be a dangerous one to answer. The obvious emphasis here is on you. The reason it is dangerous is because the answer has the potential to change the very nature of one's life. Peter boldly answers, "You are the Messiah, sent by God." One cannot give this answer without having his or her life radically altered. In the following verses (v. 23-27), Jesus tells his followers that they cannot be his follower without putting aside their selfish ambition. The proclamation that Jesus is Messiah leads one to a new life.
APPLICATION
Knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ is always a personal discovery. There is always an emphasis on "who do you say Jesus is?" And the answer can be dangerous to the way life is lived. The answer to this question impacts our understanding and interaction with the world. It should direct our decisions and plans. It should influence the way we spend time, resources and money. It should lead us to a point of sacrifice, a willingness to give up our selfish ambition in order to gain a new life found in Jesus Christ. The answer to that question goes far beyond the mental ascent of belief and cuts to the heart of our life. I have proclaimed that Jesus Christ is Messiah, but has that answer impacted the core of my life? Does it impact everything I think, say, do... Had it impacted who I am?
On this occasion, Jesus asks the disciples two questions. The first question, "who do others say that I am?," is a safe one to answer. It's based on other people's opinions, beliefs and commitments. The answer to it has no bearing on the lives of the disciples. The second question, "who do you say that I am?," can be a dangerous one to answer. The obvious emphasis here is on you. The reason it is dangerous is because the answer has the potential to change the very nature of one's life. Peter boldly answers, "You are the Messiah, sent by God." One cannot give this answer without having his or her life radically altered. In the following verses (v. 23-27), Jesus tells his followers that they cannot be his follower without putting aside their selfish ambition. The proclamation that Jesus is Messiah leads one to a new life.
APPLICATION
Knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ is always a personal discovery. There is always an emphasis on "who do you say Jesus is?" And the answer can be dangerous to the way life is lived. The answer to this question impacts our understanding and interaction with the world. It should direct our decisions and plans. It should influence the way we spend time, resources and money. It should lead us to a point of sacrifice, a willingness to give up our selfish ambition in order to gain a new life found in Jesus Christ. The answer to that question goes far beyond the mental ascent of belief and cuts to the heart of our life. I have proclaimed that Jesus Christ is Messiah, but has that answer impacted the core of my life? Does it impact everything I think, say, do... Had it impacted who I am?
PRAYER
Jesus, help me to be willing to make sacrifices in my life, to give up my selfish desires, and pursue you wholly and fully.
Jesus, help me to be willing to make sacrifices in my life, to give up my selfish desires, and pursue you wholly and fully.
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