From the desk of Pastor Ben

Examining Jesus’ Identity – Part 2

He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”                                     (Matthew 16:13b-15)

Why did the people want to fasten inaccurate identities to Jesus? Some saw in Him the character and message of John the Baptist. Others perceived He had the fire and intensity of Elijah. Still others thought He displayed the lament and grief of Jeremiah. But whomever the Jews thought Jesus to be, they considered Him only Messiah’s forerunner who possessed God-given powers.

Others in the crowds did not speculate about Christ’s specific identity but merely considered His uniqueness and thought perhaps He was “one of the prophets” who was “risen again” (Luke 9:19).

None of the people who had opinions about Jesus could deny His supernatural powers — however, they refused to believe in Him as the true Messiah. Likewise, since that time, many prominent people have spoken highly of the Lord, yet without embracing His lordship or deity. Pontius Pilate said, “I find no guilt in this man” (Luke 23:4). Napoleon observed, “I knew men, and Jesus was no mere man.” David Friedrich Strauss, the German philosopher, called Him “the highest model of religion.” Broadway composers have called Him “Jesus Christ Superstar.” However, all of those labels are not remotely close to accurately identifying Christ as the Son of God and Redeemer. The apostles knew this, and therefore Jesus prompted them for a genuine identification of Him.

Ask Yourself:
How would it make life easier if you didn’t feel the need to take Christ so seriously? But what would you miss as a result? Try to describe to yourself the greatest losses that weigh on a person who tolerates Jesus but doesn’t let Him outrank their other gods of importance?