Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.” Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”

When I first started to write devotionals in the mornings, it was out of a desire to be held accountable for having my time with God FIRST THING in the morning. As this ministry has built up, my motivation has grown and broadened. I now add to accountability a desire to model for those around me how to dig deep in God’s Word and glean truth we can directly apply in life. I want to see those around me grow closer to God, as I do. As I run the race God has set out for me … I want running companions! And for those who read these devotionals and have not yet asked Jesus to be their Lord and Savior, may my imperfect reflection of the grace of God compel them to seek him.

As I interact with people in my life, I sometimes ask questions to see if they are seeing things clearly. And my good friends ask good questions to check on me and my faith too.
Jesus here is checking in on the progress of the faith of his disciples. He is trying to find out if they are beginning to see things clearly about who he is and his loving Lordship over them. And so first he asks who others say he is. The answers reflects how these people were experiencing Jesus: 1) John the Baptist — a powerful preacher of truth, 2) Elijah — a fearless prophet who performed miracles and spiritually battled and won (with God) against hundreds of the priests of Baal. 3) Other prophets — they saw him as these prophets of old because of what he did.

But they missed a very important part of who Jesus was, who he is, and who he will always be: He is God in the flesh, the Son of God, part of the Godhead, the Alpha and the Omega, the Creator and Sustainer of Life, the Light of the World, Commander of the Angels of Heaven, and Galactic Ruler of all the planets and stars in the universe!

When Peter answered, “God’s Messiah”, this is what he was affirming Jesus was. He was the fulfillment of ALL of the Old Testament prophecies!

So who do I truly believe Jesus is and how do my actions back that up? Am I willing to serve him in an all-out manner and dedicate my life’s work, income, assets, position of power, and all that I have for his glory?

Jesus also models for us the heart of a true servant leader. He knew his mission and it took priority over any praise due him. So, he cautions them to be quiet about this, as his time has not yet come. And he foretold of his persecution, crucifixion, and resurrection, so their faith would be strengthened as a result. He did this, in part, to prepare them for the tough journey ahead and, in part, to confirm to them that he is GOD AND LORD OVER ALL! Some thought of Jesus as very powerful like Elijah, others thought of him with piercing preaching in truth to convict, like John the Baptist. But what he was, is, and always will be is so much more than that: He is God in the flesh, our Savior, Redeemer, and Friend.

Lord, thank you for the incredible opportunity to have a relationship with you and to be tutored by your Holy Spirit. You are my Rock, my Fortress, and my Strong Deliverer! Mold me and make me after you and your ways … more and more each day I breathe!