Imagine this: you’ve been walking alongside someone extraordinary. This person inspires you and teaches you. They do miracles that leave you in awe. One day, they turn to you. They ask a question that feels deeply personal and profound: “Who do you think I really am?”
This very scene plays out in the Bible, in a moment that’s both pivotal and timeless. Jesus is with his closest followers—his disciples—in a region called Caesarea Philippi. As they gather, Jesus starts with a general question: “What are people saying about me? Who do they think I am?” The disciples respond with a variety of answers. Some say that people think Jesus is John the Baptist. Others believe he might be Elijah, Jeremiah, or another prophet brought back to life.
But then Jesus shifts gears. He makes it personal. He asks, “Who do you say I am?”
This question strikes at the core of faith. It’s no longer about what others think or what the crowd is saying—it’s about the individual. It’s about what each person believes for themselves.
Simon Peter, one of Jesus’s most devoted followers, doesn’t hesitate. He speaks up: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” In other words, Peter is saying, “You’re the Savior we’ve all been waiting for—the one sent by God.”
Jesus’s response to Peter is full of joy and affirmation. He explains that this insight didn’t come from Peter’s own reasoning or intelligence. Instead, it was revealed to him by God. This moment is significant. Jesus gives Peter a special role. He calls him the “rock” upon which he will build his church. He even grants Peter a unique authority, one that reflects the will of heaven—a huge responsibility and honor.
Why This Moment Matters
This interaction is important for a couple of reasons. First, it shows that recognizing who Jesus truly is takes more than just knowledge or logic. Faith isn’t something you can entirely figure out on your own. It’s a gift. It comes through a deeper connection with God.
Second, this moment highlights how personal faith is. Jesus wasn’t looking for a group consensus or a popular opinion poll. He wanted to know what each of his disciples truly believed. It’s a reminder that faith is deeply individual. It’s not about what your family believes. It’s not about what your friends think. It’s not even about what society as a whole says. It’s about you and your relationship with God.
What This Means for Us Today
This question—“Who do you say I am?”—isn’t just for the disciples. It’s a question for all of us. Whether you’ve been exploring faith for years, or you’re just starting to think about it, this question invites you. It invites you to reflect on who Jesus is in your own life. Is he a teacher? A prophet? Something more?
Peter’s answer—acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah—shows the power of faith. It’s not just about understanding who Jesus is; it’s about recognizing his role in something much bigger. It’s about seeing Jesus as the connection between humanity and God.
Faith as a Life Changing Journey
What’s truly inspiring about this story is how it shows that faith isn’t static—it’s active and life changing. When Peter declared his belief, Jesus didn’t just affirm it; he gave Peter a purpose tied directly to his faith. Peter’s willingness to step forward and speak from his heart gave him greater responsibilities. It also provided him with a lasting role in building the early church.
This teaches us that faith isn’t meant to sit quietly in the background. It’s meant to shape us, guide us, and inspire us to take action. Faith isn’t just believing—it’s living out that belief in ways that reflect love, trust, and purpose.
The Invitation
So, what about you? If Jesus were to ask you today, “Who do you say I am?” how would you answer? This isn’t about getting the “right” answer or impressing others. It’s about being honest with yourself and exploring what you truly believe.
This question is an invitation—a chance to think about who Jesus is and what he means to you personally. Like Peter, your answer has the power to shape your journey. It can influence your path in ways you might not even imagine yet.
In the end, this story reminds us that faith is not just about understanding—it’s about connection, recognition, and transformation. It challenges us to move beyond opinions. It urges us to dig deep into what we believe. We are encouraged to live lives that reflect that belief in meaningful ways. So take a moment, reflect, and ask yourself: Who do you say He is?
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 