Who am I?

In Matthew 16, Jesus has a discussion with His disciples that is full of insight and truth for us today. He asks them who people say that he is. After hearing several responses from Peter, He then asks Peter specifically, "Who do you say that I am?"

Peter answers that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus then comments on Peter's answer and follows that comment by telling Peter that he is the rock on which He will build His church.

So, what's the big deal? I believe it is incredibly important to pay attention to the role of the characters in this story and the ordering of the events. First of all, Peter has to answer the question, "Who do you say that I am?"

How can Peter answer such a question? He can do so because he has spent time with Jesus, worked with Him, watched Him perform miracles, listened to His teachings, etc... And out of that experience and the discernment given to him through the Holy Spirit, Peter answers "the Son of God."

Then, after Peter has made his own confession and declaration of who Christ is, Jesus tells Peter who he(Peter) is. After Peter has come to realize who Jesus is, then Jesus is able to reveal Peter's true identity to him. And what an identity Peter has.

So, who are you? How would you answer this question to yourself, "Who am I?"

Well, before you can answer that, and get the total truth, you must first realize and declare who Jesus is. Once you have come to that realization, Jesus will tell you who you are. That you are a child of God, a co-heir with Christ to the throne. That you are His beloved.

This is so very important for us today because we quickly turn to so many things to define who we are. We use relationships, careers, personalities, etc... And however true those things may be, they don't constitute the truest essence of who you are. This is because your identity is found in Christ. As He is declared Christ, your identity is found. Remember that He is truth. He is the only one who can reveal to you who you are. And that comes in response to you declaring who He is. And you can only declare who He is when you know Him, spend time with Him, and believe in His love.

May you know Christ.
May you declare who He is.
May He reveal to you who you are.
May your identity be found in Christ more so than ever before.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." ~ Matt. 6:33