Know Who He Is

Read:

Mark 8:29 “‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’”

Think:

When we're in kindergarten, we are asked the simple question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" We give fanciful answers without much thought. However, as we grow older, the question, "What will you do with your life?" demands a mature and thoughtful response.

But perhaps the most significant question we'll ever face is the one Jesus asked his disciples in Mark 8:29: "But who do you say I am?" This question arose during a conversation between Jesus and his disciples. When Jesus asked, "Who do people say I am?" the disciples offered various answers, such as John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the other prophets. Dissatisfied with these responses, Jesus turned to his closest followers and asked, "But who do you say I am?"

The Greek structure of this question emphasizes the word "you," making it more personal: "And you, who do you say that I am?" Ultimately, each of us must answer the central question of life for ourselves: "Who is the Lord of our lives?" We must determine whether Jesus is merely a good teacher or the Savior, whether he is simply a great figure to follow or the Master of our lives.

Apply:

Who do you say Jesus is? What difference does this make in how you live each day? Tell someone today what Jesus means to you.

Pray:

Lord, you are God, and you alone can save. Thank you for sending your son to die for me and rescue me. Thank you for allowing me to participate with you in others' rescue stories. In Jesus' name, Amen.