“Who do men say that I, the Son of Man am?” – Matthew 16:13 NKJV

Opinions about Jesus have always varied; even during His earthly ministry. When He asked the disciples what the “word on the street” was, they responded with several answers; John the Baptist (resurrected), Elijah, Jeremiah or others (returned to earth). However, when Jesus asked directly, “Who do YOU say that I am?” Peter spoke-up and got it right. He said:

“You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”– Matthew 16:16 NKJV

But the interesting part is Jesus’ response. He said specifically that the Holy Spirit revealed it to him. In other words, among the various descriptions “in the press”, He was the CHRIST. Yes Jesus healed the sick, yes He fed hungry folks, and yes He showed kindness to the downtrodden, but the ultimate reason He came was to deal with sin; and the two questions still apply today.

Who do people say that He is? Maybe a higher power? Maybe a great teacher?

But then the next question is, “Who do YOU say that He is?

Is He Christ to you, or something more along the lines of a great humanitarian? Yes, there’s a list of wonderful things that come through knowing Christ (love, joy, peace, etc.), but His main purpose in coming wasn’t to help us feel better about ourselves; it was to make us new altogether through a transforming relationship with Him. At that point, we leave “ourselves” behind…and follow Him.

He’s the Christ-the Son of the Living God!