Jesus Asks: Who Do You Say I Am? A Personal Christmas Reflection
"And what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16:15 NLT)
Jesus heals blind man
This powerful question from Jesus to His disciples remains deeply relevant today. While His disciples had shared others' opinions about Him, Jesus wanted to know their personal belief.
Like an intimate conversation around a Christmas table, Jesus wasn't interested in hearsay or popular opinion. He sought a personal confession of faith from those closest to Him. Though He already knew their thoughts (Matthew 9:4), He wanted them to verbalize their own understanding.
Peter's response was profound: "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!" (Matthew 16:16 NLT). This declaration earned Jesus's blessing, as He explained this truth came not from human understanding but divine revelation: "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 16:17 NLT)
The title "Messiah" means "the promised Redeemer" - a truth that transforms how we view both life and our future. If you're struggling to see Jesus as your Redeemer during difficult times, consider following Peter's example. Through personal prayer and seeking (Matthew 7:7), you can discover the same revelation Peter received.
Remember, this understanding comes through divine revelation, not human wisdom. God's love for you (John 3:16) makes this personal relationship possible. Your answer to "Who do you say I am?" shapes not just your faith, but your entire perspective on life.
Rejoice in this truth - you are His miracle.