• New Testament Reading: Matthew 16:1-28
• Old Testament Passage: Joshua 24:14-15
• Points to Ponder

“Who Do You Say That I Am?”

“Who do people say the Son of Man is?” And the poll says, “John the Baptist
or Elijah or Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” If we asked the same question
today, what responses would we get? Religious leader. Martyr. Fake or
fraud. Fictional character. Son of God. Most doubt that Jesus was who the gospel accounts claim
him to be -- even many who would say that he is the Son of God don’t accept everything said in the
New Testament about him. Many leaders in mainline denominations do not believe that actually he
rose from the dead -- even though that’s the only sign he would give the religious leaders of his day
(16:1-4).

The crucial question for you and me is “Who do you say that I am?”. Most, if not all, who are
reading this would agree with Peter’s answer, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Yet,
just a few moments later, it became obvious that he didn’t really comprehend at least some of the
implications of that confession. It is possible to give the right answer and yet still “not have in mind
the things of God, but the things of men.” This is a confession that cannot be made lightly. It has
life-changing, life-long implications. Those who so confess must choose to deny self, take up their
crosses and follow Jesus -- no matter what!

• Questions to Consider: What are the implications of your confession? What does it mean to
you practically, in how you see your life in this world, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
Do you have in your mind right now “the things of God or the things of men”?