But who do you say that I am?

Mark 8:27-29: “Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, "Who do men say that I am?" 28 So they answered, "John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets." 29 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered and said to Him, "You are the Christ."

“But who do you say that I am?” This is the question that everyone must answer. This is the question that is asked of everyone who hears the gospel. Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do men say that I am?" His disciples answered Him by saying He was one of the prophets, or perhaps John the Baptist resurrected. People, when ask this question give all sorts of answers. “Well, Jesus was a great teacher and preacher” some say, “He lived a life that we all should aspire to live.” Some say Jesus was just a man, religious and good but nothing more. Like the days of old, men still will not accept the facts laid out before them; Jesus was much more than simply a good teacher, preacher, or prophet. He is in fact the Christ, who Peter boldly proclaims.

Each person must make a decision about Jesus. Even among some “Christians” Jesus is no more than an idea. If He were truly the Christ then we would be living like it. If Jesus was the savior of the world and the only way to the Father, like is said in John 14:6, then we would be telling people about Him. If Jesus were the savior of this world then we would be teaching our kids and raising them to become disciples of Him. If Jesus was truly the Lord of Lord and King of Kings then God would still be in our schools; instead He is replaced by the god Darwin, which our schoolteachers encourage our children to worship. If Jesus really were the way, the truth, and the life we would not remain silent while our government sanctions infanticide and subsidizes abortion mills. But, for many we remain silent.

“Who do you say I am?” What is your answer today? The reason we Christians are called hypocrites is the fact that we say we believe in this man named Jesus, but our lives do not prove it. Would your friends say you are a Christian? Would your spouse say you are a Christian? Would your Children? Would Jesus say you are a Christian? Becoming a disciple of Christ means so much more than saying a prayer and walking down an aisle. It is a lifestyle that proves to everyone that we belong to Jesus. Where is your proof?

Tomorrows Readings:
Old Testament: num 28-29 New Testament Mark 9:1-29