Who Do You Say I Am?
Studying the 4 verses first found in Matthew; part of the series of even that happened at the Last Supper, we see a tiny detail revealed to us by the Holy Spirit of God.
Matthew 26:21-22 — “21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”” (NIV)
Matthew 26:25 — “25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.”” (NIV)
Matthew 26:48-49 — “48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.” (NIV)
The purpose of this short article is to point out the need for a correct and infinitely beneficial perspective to who our Lord Jesus Christ is. Look at Judas Iscariot, we see that while every other Disciple saw Jesus as Lord, Judas was relating with Him on a “Rabbi Level”. No wonder Jesus asked His disciples in Matthew 16:13-15 — “13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”” (NIV). Only Peter gave a correct answer in Matthew 16:16-17 — “16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 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.” (NIV). This was only possible by a Revelation from God as it is with the many Mysteries of the Kingdom- it can not be revealed by flesh and blood.
Easily, we can see one of the lapses that caused Judas to betray Jesus- the Son of the Most High God. Judas didn’t seem to see Jesus that way, he was looking at the incomplete and ceremonial things, he viewed Jesus from the Social construct and not from the Stand point of Eternal Life. Brethren, we must be cautious and intentional about the perspective and mindset we have towards God- the Father, God- the Son and God- the Holy Spirit. Jesus is not just a Teacher or another “Guy”. He is the One and Only begotten of the Father. The Only Way, Truth and Life, it is important that we see Jesus this way, because even the Historians believe that the was a “Man” named Jesus who was born and died. That is not sufficient for Salvation. We must believe that He Died, was Buried and Resurrected and that through Him we have Eternal Life.
Dear Believer! What exactly do you believe? Is it in a Historical Figure or the Living Christ? Getting Salvation is very easy but must be precisely done in understanding. Salvation must done in clear acknowledgement of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done, and greater understanding concerning our Identity in Him must be acquired as one grows in the Faith. That we come to the measure of the fullness of Christ, Amen.
“9 If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
— Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)
May God help us to to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:10-11 — “10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” (NIV)).
In Jesus Name, Amen
