But who do you say that I am

This is my favorite Gospel passage for meditation, and I challenge you to give it a try. Each time I read it I stop and think about it. Jesus is walking along the road with his disciples and he asks them the question, “Who do people say that I am?” They give him a variety of answers, and then he asks them, “But who do YOU say that I am?” Peter answers for the apostles and says, “You are the Christ.”

Christ is the Greek word for “the anointed one,” another way of saying that Jesus is the Messiah. And now for us! Who is Jesus for you and me?

I have had people tell me that Jesus was a good man. Others might respond a good friend, and still others their Savior or their King. If Jesus is our Savior or King, what does that mean? I would ask that sometime today you find a quiet spot and picture yourself walking along a dusty road with Jesus and the disciples. Perhaps you are there because someone you know was healed; maybe because someone told you about this great teacher. At some point on your journey, Jesus turns to YOU, looks you straight in the eyes, and asks you, who do you think he is? If you are like me, every time I think about it, it’s a little different because I am in a different place in my life. Some days, I need him to be a friend as well as Savior and King. Other times I need a brother who understands how painful life can be. Other times I just want someone to listen to my fears and concerns.

This passage from Mark is a little different from the one in Matthew, but we can discuss that one at a different time.

And so, Jesus is waiting for your answer, who do you say that he is today?

Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Savior, my brother, my friend. Without you, I am nothing. May you always be the center of my life! Amen.