Who do you say I am?
Today's focusAfter praying alone, Jesus asks his disciples who they say he is; Peter confesses 'the Christ of God', and Jesus begins to speak of his suffering.
Read
18And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? 19They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. 20He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. 21And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; 22Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
Reflection
In this quiet moment, after being "alone praying," Jesus turns a vital question toward those closest to him. He does not ask what the crowds think, who speculate he might be "John the Baptist" or "Elias." Instead, he asks you and his disciples directly: "But whom say ye that I am?" When Peter answers that he is "The Christ of God," he identifies Jesus not just as a teacher or a prophet, but as the one sent by God to save.
However, the path of this Christ is not one of worldly power. Jesus immediately explains that as the "Son of man," he "must suffer many things." To follow him is to know a Savior who was "rejected" and "slain" before being "raised the third day." This passage reminds you that the glory of who Jesus is cannot be separated from his sacrifice. As you reflect on his identity today, see a King who was willing to endure rejection and suffering out of deep love for you.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
If Jesus asked you today, 'Who do you say that I am?', how would you answer in your own words?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you are the Christ of God. Deepen my understanding of who you are, not just in words but in my whole life. Help me follow you even when your way leads through suffering.