A few weeks back we discussed the difference between knowing and believing, between people who simply know what it means to be a Christian and those whose lives are actually transformed by him.
In this passage of scripture, Christs asks his disciples two similar but profoundly different questions:
Who do people say I am?
and
Who do you say I am?
Then as now, there are many different thoughts and ideas about Jesus. If you were to speak to a modern-day Muslim, Jew or Buddhist, you would hear divergent opinions on Christ, his teachings and his place in history. Some would say Christ was a prophet, even among the greatest of the prophets — highly revered. Others would acknowledge his miracles, his wisdom and his status as a “holy man.” Even irreligious types would generally tend to have a positive view of Jesus, but it would be little different than how they might perceive Mr. Rogers or the guy from Blue’s Clues.
He was a nice guy. He said some good stuff. That’s about it.
After the Disciples acknowledged the word on the street about Jesus (a prophet, a teacher, a healer, etc.), he pressed them: Who do you say I am?
Peter’s response was unequivocal (though, ironically, he would be the first to deny Christ): “The Messiah,” he said. Matthew’s account also adds, “the Son of the living God.”
I was always taught that knowing wasn’t enough — doing wasn’t enough. The first two words in the Apostles’ Creed are I believe. I believe in God, the creator of the universe, and, like Peter, I believe Jesus is the Son of God. That’s what a creed is, a statement of beliefs.
Further, as a follower of Christ, I was always taught that we should be able to answer a very basic question which is similar to Christ’s question to the Disciples: Why do you believe? Or, put another way: why do you choose to follow Christ?
It comes from 1 Peter chapter 3, verse 15: But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Over the next couple months, our goal is that all of you will come to a greater understanding of the character of Christ, and to find way new and different ways to serve him.
We will see you Sunday night at the Skaff’s!
The Pipe 