Say Anything

"Who do you say I am?"

Matthew 16:15

Jesus' public life while He was on earth lasted about three years.  And in that time, the title He wore more than any other, was Teacher.

Now, as any teacher will tell you, students all learn in different ways, so you have to be creative in your methods.  And could any teacher be more creative than the Teacher who is the Creator?

Jesus' methods included story-telling (parables); illustrations (walking on the water); and every teacher's favorite:  the pop quiz.   And that's the method we see happening here in Matthew 16.  His victim was poor Peter, because as we all know, teachers often give great challenges to those students they know have great potential.

He starts off slow, trying to put Peter at ease:  "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"  Peter replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

And then He hit Peter with a more important question:  "Who do you say I am?"  Peter's response earned him an A+, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

So what would you say if He posed the same question to you?  There are, to be sure, many correct answers.  And your answer might even depend on the day or the time, or the situation you are going through.  Someone struggling with an illness might respond:  "You are the Healer."  Someone who is clinging to Him in a time of fear or anxiety might respond:  "You are the Prince of Peace."  Those who were affected by the enormous power outage throughout Southern California, Arizona and Mexico might respond:  "You are the Light of the World."

The important thing is, to say something.  Say it out loud.  The question is not, "Who do you believe He is?"  The question is:  Who do you say He is?"  So say it.  Say it to Him, and say it to the people in your life.  Tell Him how much you need who He is, and tell others what He has done for you... who He is for you.

Peter is not the only one being quizzed.  Who do you say He is?

~ "Now we are all here

 in the presence of God

 to listen to everything

 the Lord has commanded you to tell us" ~

Acts 10:33