FollowingJesus.me

“Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, ‘Who do people say I am?’ They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets. ‘But what about you?’ he (Jesus) asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’” – Mark 8:27-29

This is a familiar verse that includes THE declaration made by the disciple Peter that Jesus is the Messiah! Here, Jesus masterfully starts with an important, but non-personal question. He starts by asking about what others are saying. (There is a great coaching lesson to be learned here, but that is for another time.) As the question is answered, Jesus digs deeper and makes the question way more personal, “But what about you?” “Who do you say I am?”

Today, the Holy Spirit stops me here; this point before Peter’s declaration. As I stop and sit with Jesus and his question, three questions emerge for me, questions Jesus has for me to answer:

1. Who is Jesus? (What do I believe about him?)
2. Who is Jesus in my life right now?
3. What am I saying about Jesus to those around me?

I know it is helpful to read a brief devotion and be spiritually stimulated and/or encouraged. And I hope that what I offer up each week is encouraging to you and to your walk with Jesus.

Today is different. Today, this weekend, I invite you to make time to pause and sit with the questions. Sit with Jesus, talk with him, and listen to him. Tell him who he is to you. Ask him who you are to him. Ask him to help you know him more and speak rightly about him to those around you.

Jesus loves you and he invites you close, to know him; experience him; and know the deep love, acceptance, and peace that he offers you.