Our text is Matthew 16:13-15.
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Do you see the two questions that even we have to answer?
1. Jesus asked, “Who do men say that I am?”
Your answer to that question depends on the kind of people you have around you. If your friends and associates cannot answer this question, then you need to involve yourself with people who know Jesus. Of course we should not drop every acquaintance who does not know Jesus. If we did, then we would never lead anyone to Jesus. So that you can lead people to Jesus, associate with those who do not know Jesus. So that you will not become spiritually weak, associate with people who do know Jesus.
2. “Who do you say I am?”
The answer to this question involves two parts:
First, do you know who Jesus is? Peter knew the answer, “Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16). Everything we know and love about Peter is because he knew that answer. If we too know that answer, it will define who we are.
Second, although the text does not openly ask it, I believe it is implied by the task that Jesus gave them. That question is Do you believe what you say you know, that Jesus is the Christ? Their answer and your answer is not one that you have to express, it is one that you show by how you live.
Lonnie Davis