Why This Famous Question Still Matters Today
If you’ve ever heard someone talk about the Bible, you might have come across the question, “Who do you say that I am?” This is a famous line that Jesus asked his closest friends—his disciples—in the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It’s one of those moments that stands out, and there’s a lot packed into it.
The Setting: A Simple Question with Big Meaning
Imagine Jesus hanging out with his friends. He starts by asking what people around town are saying about him. The disciples answer: “Some think you’re John the Baptist, others think you’re Elijah, or maybe one of the old prophets come back to life.”
But then Jesus makes it personal. He asks, “But what about you? Who do you say that I am?”
Peter, one of the disciples, doesn’t hesitate. He says, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” In other words, Peter is saying, “You’re the one God promised to send—the Savior.”
Why Did Jesus Ask This Question?
It’s not because Jesus wanted a compliment, or was unsure about himself. Jesus already knew what people thought and what his disciples believed in their hearts. The reason for his question was to make his friends think for themselves—to move them from just repeating what others said to making their own decision about who he really was.
Faith Is Personal
This moment is about more than just an answer. It’s about each person deciding for themselves who Jesus is to them. Jesus wanted his disciples to step out of the crowd’s opinions and make their own declaration of faith.
A Turning Point
When Peter answers, Jesus says Peter is blessed—not because he figured it out on his own, but because God helped him see the truth. This shows that understanding who Jesus really is takes more than just hearing rumors or following the crowd; sometimes, it means listening to what God is trying to tell us.
What Happened Next?
After Peter’s answer, Jesus starts to share new things with his disciples—like how he would soon face suffering and death, but also rise again. He waited to tell them these hard truths until they were ready—until they really believed he was more than a prophet or teacher, but the Son of God.
Even then, the disciples didn’t fully understand. They struggled with the idea of Jesus dying. But their faith grew as they learned and experienced more.
Why Does This Matter Today?
Jesus’ question—“Who do you say that I am?”—isn’t just for the disciples. It’s a question that still matters to anyone who hears about him. It’s not just about what others think or what you’ve heard; it’s about what you believe.
How Do We Grow in Faith?
Just like the disciples, our understanding can grow over time. Sometimes answers come quickly, other times it takes a while. God doesn’t expect us to know everything all at once. Instead, we’re invited to keep learning, asking questions, and letting our faith mature.
What’s the Bottom Line?
This question from Jesus is a call to think for ourselves. Instead of just following the crowd, we’re encouraged to figure out who Jesus is to us. The answer isn’t just a fact to memorize; it’s about a relationship and a journey of faith that deepens as we go.
So, in simple terms, “Who do you say that I am?” is a question that challenges us to make up our own minds about Jesus—and that answer can shape everything else in our lives.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 