Who do you say I am?
Have you ever gotten something stuck in your head? When I taught preschool movement classes many times it was the Hokey Pokey or the Wheels on the Bus that were running on a loop in my mind. This past weekend it has been “who do you say I am?”
Three of the four Gospels (Matthew 16, Mark 8, Luke 9) recount the story of Jesus asking his disciples two important questions. The book of John has a similar story but the questions aren’t asked in the same way. First question was “who do people say the Son of Man is?” The disciples replied with the various ideas they had heard – John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or some other prophet. Then Jesus asked the more personal question “who do you say I am?” Simon Peter replied “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Simon Peter answered correctly and Jesus replied “ Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.”
In today’s world that first question would receive numerous answers as well – a good teacher, a prophet, a religious leader, a historical figure, a lunatic, the Son of God, Savior of the world. This week as we celebrate Holy Week, let’s take a moment to ponder “who do people say the Son of Man is?” And then even more importantly let’s take time to reflect on our personal answers to the question “who do you say I am?” As I have pondered that question this past weekend I am awed, humbled and blessed beyond measure to know who Jesus is to me.
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. Matthew 16:13-17
What a great question to think about, especially during Holy Week.