by Marilyn Ehle
“Who do you say that I am?” Luke 9:20
Time is passing quickly. Jesus draws His disciples ever closer to Himself, wanting to prepare them for the increasing persecution and the ultimate heartbreak of His trial, suffering and death. They have seen Him heal the sick, give sight to the blind, raise a dead girl to life. They have personally participated in wonderful ministry.
One day in an unusually private moment, Jesus and His friends are in conversation. I can imagine Jesus interrupting their discussion about what’s next on the itinerary with the quiet question that seems to be only a simple query: “Who do the crowds say I am?” The disciples, perhaps still munching on their bread and olives, respond with what they’ve been able to overhear from the crowds that always surround: “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets has come back to life.”
Then Jesus asks them the question that will remain with them forever: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered—personally or as spokesman for them all?—“God’s Messiah.”
It is crucial for us all to respond to that same question, but perhaps just as important is the issue that hides deep within us, “Who does Jesus say that I am? Does He truly see me as His beloved child?”
Voices from culture, our past, our actions, our own inner acknowledgment shout that we are of no worth. Even with the covering of social acceptance, education and achievements, there is something within that demands that we earn favor with God. His love just seems too simple. Just believing that Jesus is the Son of God, just accepting His free offer of grace goes against the grain of our fierce independence. We can hardly believe that He dances over us with love.
The first question is a primary one: “Who do you say that He is?”
The second question is one we grow into: “Who does Jesus say I am?”
You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/2011/04/25/me_two-pronged-question/
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