Questions from Jesus

      In Matthew 16:13-20 we find two of the most important questions asked by Jesus as recorded in scripture. As he was discussing with his disciples, these two questions came up. “Who do the people say I am?” And then the second question was a little more penetrating and definitely personal, “Who do you say I am?” These questions demanded a confession as an answer.

      We read that the disciples answered the first question by saying, “Some people say you are John the Baptist, others Elijah, and some even say you are Jeremiah, or some other prophet.” Then after Jesus had heard the public opinion report from the people, and the evaluation of his ministry, he asked the most important question of all time, the central question of history, and the question that if we get the answer right, we get eternity right. “Who do you say I am?”

      There was perhaps much shuffling of feet and clearing of throats until finally Peter answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Then Jesus said, “You are blessed, Peter. Blessed because you didn’t come up with this answer and confession on your own, you didn’t read it in a book, or hear this in the synagogue. You’ve been talking to God and it is he who has revealed who I am to you.” You see how important it is for us to stay connected to God? When we are in touch with God, he tells us things. He reveals himself to us.

      Jesus praised Peter for his belief and quickly said, “Upon this rock, (“Peter” means rock) I will build my church.” Notice how quickly Jesus takes Peter’s confession of faith and turns it into an action of faith. We can talk all day about what we believe about Jesus, but it is the action that counts.

Jesus tells Peter, “Since you know who I am, I am going to tell you who you are. You, and all the disciples who will follow you down through the years, will be the foundation of my church. You will be the builder of my church. And to my church I will give the keys to the kingdom. The church will be the ‘keeper of the keys.’ We have work to do.”

     If we believe that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” then what difference does that make in our daily lives? Is what Jesus did for us on the cross so weak, and God’s grace so cheap, that we can say we are Christians, followers of Jesus, and go on living we way we always have? Jesus told Peter to not stop with just believing, but take the next step of living what you believe.

      Belief should produce action, and with action comes a transformed life.

Are we living so close to God that he has revealed Jesus to us as the way, the truth, and the life? The keys to his kingdom? Who is Jesus to you and to me?

Rev. Tim McConnell Long’s Chapel UMC September 30, 2012