When Good Answers Aren’t Good Enough | Wednesday
Devotional
When Jesus asked what the crowds thought about him, the disciples shared some impressive responses. People were saying he was John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the ancient prophets returned to life. These weren’t insults or dismissive comments – they were actually quite honorable comparisons that recognized something special about Jesus. To be compared to these great figures of faith showed that people saw divine qualities and prophetic power in him. Yet Jesus didn’t seem satisfied with these answers. Why? Because anything short of who Jesus really is becomes inadequate and even idolatrous. Even positive, respectful opinions about Jesus fall short if they don’t acknowledge his true identity. We see this same pattern today. Many people have a high regard for Jesus – they see him as a great teacher, a moral example, or an inspiring figure. Some celebrate Christmas and appreciate the values Jesus represents without fully embracing who he claimed to be. But here’s the challenge: we cannot redefine the anointed one to fit our comfort level. Jesus isn’t just another good person in history or even just another prophet. When we try to make him smaller than he truly is, we create an idol – a version of Jesus that makes us feel good but lacks the power to actually save us. The real Jesus demands more than our admiration; he calls for our complete surrender.
Bible Verse
“‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘God’s Messiah.'” – Luke 9:18-20
Reflection Question
In what ways might you be settling for a ‘comfortable’ version of Jesus rather than embracing the full reality of who he claims to be?
Quote
Because anything short of who Jesus really is becomes idolatrous. And anything short of who Jesus really is is now making him unfit to be the savior of the world.
Prayer
Jesus, forgive me for the times I’ve tried to make You smaller than You are. Help me to see You not just as a good teacher or moral example, but as the Messiah, the Anointed One who came to save. Give me courage to embrace the full truth of who You are. Amen.