Who do you say Jesus is?
by Pastor Peter Bean
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[Herod] said: ‘Jesus is John the Baptist, who has risen from the dead …’ (Matthew 14:2).
Read Matthew 14:1–12
Who is Jesus? It’s not surprising that Herod really had no idea. Considering the mysteries and surprises in what he said and did, not too many people could identify Jesus correctly.
In yesterday’s verses, the people said: he is just the son of a carpenter (Matthew 13:55). The disciples reported that some thought he was John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets (Matthew 16:14). Obviously, there were all sorts of ideas and theories about this man.
In my younger ‘Jesus movement’ days, I often wore a T-shirt with the words ‘Jesus is my Lord’ emblazoned on the back. Not sure what people thought of that. My Christian friends probably thought it was pretty cool, but others may have been unsure. I was quite happy to wear it and proclaim the message on there.
Would I do that now? Perhaps if I were 17 again! Now, I might have a more nuanced message that would possibly invite conversation. Who would I say Jesus is?
Herod is not being asked this question; he simply makes a statement based on what he has heard about Jesus. Who do you say Jesus is? Going back to Matthew 16:16, Peter answers: ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ He could say this because he had walked and talked with Jesus, seen what Jesus was doing, and experienced grace in action.
Who do you say Jesus is? This might be hard to answer if you have just heard stories or reports from other people like Herod. But if you walk and talk with Jesus and experience grace in action, your answer might be much clearer. You might have experienced Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, rather than possibly a reincarnated hero or a prophet.
Living closely with Jesus will allow you to join with all those who confess that Jesus is Lord. What a great crowd that will be.
Thank you, Jesus the Christ, for coming into our lives, allowing us to know you as Lord and share this good news with others. Amen.
In the early months of the year, Peter is often out in the garden, watering, picking, pruning – chasing the birds away from his fruit! Or he could be indoors stewing, drying and preserving. Peter also enjoys walking the dog, riding his bike, reading and spending time with his family. To keep himself out of mischief, he is teaching himself piano and writing a paraphrase of each psalm – he is now up to Psalm 80.
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