Your Answer Matters | Friday
Devotional
We’ve spent this week exploring the most important question ever asked: “Who do you say that I am?” Now it’s time for your answer. Many people are comfortable with a Jesus who provides for them, heals them, and blesses them – the gentle Jesus lying in a manger surrounded by angels. But the real Jesus calls us to something more demanding: to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him. We cannot reinvent Jesus to fit our preferences or comfort levels. If we’re trusting in a Jesus who is anything less than the real Jesus – the Messiah, the Son of the living God – then that version is unfit to save us. This question doesn’t expose our intellect; it exposes where we stand with Jesus. It reveals the true condition of our hearts and determines our eternal destiny. Your answer to this question is the most important decision you’ll ever make – not just this Christmas season, but for all of your life. The crowds had their opinions, the disciples had theirs, but Jesus is asking you personally: “Who do you say that I am?” Your relationship with God, your peace in this life, and your eternal future all hang on how you respond. The good news is that when we truly see Jesus for who he is – the Messiah, our Savior – and surrender our lives to him, we discover the abundant life he came to give us.
Bible Verse
“Jesus said to them, ‘But who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.'” – Matthew 16:16-17
Reflection Question
As you reflect on this week’s journey, how will you answer Jesus’s question, and what will that answer mean for how you live your life going forward?
Quote
This is by far the most important question you will ever deal with. Not just this Christmas, not just today, but for all of your life. You have to answer the question, who do you say that I am?
Prayer
Jesus, after walking through this question with You this week, I declare that You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God, my Lord and Savior. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me. Help me to live each day in the truth of who You are, surrendering my whole life to Your lordship. Amen.