"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the propjets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered hem, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not reveled this to you, but my Father in heaven.” —Matthew 16: 13-17
Search Your Mind
If Jesus met you on a street corner today and asked, “Who do you say that I am?” how would you answer? Would you describe Jesus as a great person who once lived? Would you describe Jesus as a great prophet? Would you describe Jesus as the Son of God, true God from true God, the Savior of the world?
For Christians, Jesus is far more than just a historical person who lived a holy life. He is the Christ, the “anointed,” the Word of God made flesh, our Lord and Savior. He has perfectly revealed God’s intention for the world and how we are to live our lives. He continues to be among us through the Holy Spirit, leading us and teaching us the way to eternal life, happiness, and fulfillment. He is the way, the truth, and the life. To follow Jesus is to follow the will of God, the Father, the Creator of all that is good.
Who do others say that Jesus is? Do you ever talk with your friends about who Jesus is? Do you ever talk about Jesus’ significance in your life and in the life of the world?
Hear Your Tradition
“We believe and confess that Jesus of Nazareth, born a Jew of a daughter of Israel at Bethlehem at the time of King Herod the great and the emperor Caesar Augustus, a carpenter by trade, who died crucified in Jerusalem under the procurator Pontius Pilate during the reign of the emperor Tiberius, is the eternal Son of God made man.” (CCC, no. 423)
Commit Your Spirit
Sometime in the next day or two, commit yourself to having a conversation with at least one of your friends. Ask your friend, “Who do you say Jesus is?” Let this conversation be a time when you openly talk with each other about your belief in Jesus. Consider making a commitment with your friend to talk each week about your belief in Jesus and your questions of faith.
Pray Your Heart
Help me, Lord, to know more deeply who you are in my life and in the world. I ask that my mind, my heart, and my thoughts be opened to whatever you wish to reveal to me. For this I pray. Amen.