Who is Jesus? – Week of August 28, 2023
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “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 son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.
Matthew 16:13-17
ECME Devotion August 28, 2023
See series: ECME Devotions
Life is full of big questions. You probably hear some of those big questions from the young children you serve or know. “Why is the sky blue?” “How do flowers grow?” “How come birds can fly but we can’t?” It’s fun to hear how their developing minds notice and wonder about the world around them. I was reading a book to a young boy and commented on how amazing it is that God had not just made birds but made them in so many amazing colors. The young boy looked up with curious eyes and asked, “Who is God?” It stopped me in my tracks and I thought for a minute how to answer that so he would understand.
Who is God? Who is Jesus? It’s such a simple question but may not be simple to answer.
Jesus had been travelling with his disciples. As they were returning from their travels, Jesus asks them what they had heard. What had people said about him and who he was? The answers included prophets and even John the Baptist (who had been executed.) Jesus turns the question to them when he asks who they say he is. Peter, so often a bold disciple, says, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Messiah—what does that mean? Messiah is defined as the “anointed one” or one sent to save a group of people. The people at Jesus time had heard from generation to generation that God would send a Messiah, someone to deliver them. Jesus was that promised Savior.
Today we hear all kinds of explanations of who Jesus was or who he is. Who do you say he is? If someone asks, how would you respond? Such a simple question with such a complex answer. Jesus is God. Jesus is God’s Son. Jesus is the one whom God sent to do everything we couldn’t do—live a perfect life, take all the punishment for our sins, rise from the dead showing his power over death and over Satan. As a child of God, Jesus is our brother. He’s our truest Friend. He is our King, our Savior, our Lord, our Redeemer.
One of the most important questions you may ever be asked is, “Who is Jesus?” What a joy it is to share all that he is and all that he does as our Messiah, our Savior. He’s the one who made us and all of creation. Jesus is the one from whom, by faith from the Holy Spirit, we receive grace, mercy, and the gift of heaven with him. Who is Jesus? Let me tell you about him!
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, it’s hard to put into words all that you are and all that you do in love for me and for all people. When I think about it, it’s overwhelming in the best way! Help me to be eager and excited to tell others who you are and give me opportunities to do so. It’s in your name I pray. Amen
A Hymn to Consider:
This hymn is full of the joy and amazement we have in Jesus, our Savior. Consider starting a list of things God blesses you with and for which you can be joyful and grateful. Add to the list each day or every time you think of another one.
CW21 607 Ten Thousand Reasons
