By Randall L. Broad
Read: Deuteronomy 16-17:20; Luke 9:7-27; Psalm
72:1-20; Proverbs 12:8-9
18One day Jesus left the crowds to
pray alone. Only his disciples were with him, and he asked them, “Who do people
say I am?” 19“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and
others say you are one of the other ancient prophets risen from the dead.” 20Then
he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the
Messiah sent from God!”
Luke 9:18-20
In verse eighteen, we find a million dollar
question. “Who do people say I am?” Did
Jesus ever ask a more important question of anyone?
What would you say if He asked you that question?
Today we have the hindsight to understand things
they did not know when the question was asked. We have the blessing of the New
Testament which tells His story from Matthew to Revelations. We have a lifetime
of trials and tests that have shaped our faith. We have the teachings of
countless pastors, spiritual mentors, and other authors that refine our Christian
worldview. Most importantly, we have the blessing of the Holy Spirit which
indwells us, something the Apostles would not have until Pentecost.
Jesus was the great teacher:
He came with a message to change the world and He
offered it to people of all nations. Jesus was not sent to be the King of the
Israelites and lead them to glory as David had done, but rather he was sent to teach
the world a new concept of grace and salvation; mercy and forgiveness.
Jesus was the great warrior:
Yet, the Jewish leaders feared Him and the Empire
of Rome would eventually fall to his followers. His only weapon was the Word of
God, the sword of truth. He healed rather than killed. He forgave rather than fought.
He went willingly to the cross and he rose from the grave to forgive those that
had crucified him.
Jesus was the Messiah:
He performed divine miracles through the power of faith:
healed the sick, raised the dead, forgave sins, and taught the Word of God. He understood
things a carpenter’s son should not know and it amazed people. Jesus was the
King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, and the Host of Hosts–He brought hope and
light to a dark world.
Jesus came to save the lost:
He fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament.
He subdued the Devil in the wilderness and feed thousands in remote areas where
there was nothing to eat. He died and rose again so all nations could become
part of God’s Kingdom.
Jesus became the Church.
With His death and resurrection His body became the
Temple of God and He prepared a place for all who would simply believe in
Him. In the last days, the Church is not a building, it is people who love one
another and share their faith in Him.
Jesus is eternal life.
There is no life outside of Jesus. No matter how
long you live or what you accomplish, without Jesus you are dead. No matter how
hard your life has been, or how great your challenges have been, the “Sabbath
Rest” waits for everyone who has eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Walk with the Lord …
Ephesians 1:17
(RLB250331)
© Copyright 2019: Randall L. Broad
Disclaimer: This commentary is written by Randall L. Broad. It is in no way affiliated with or represents any denomination, university, church, or pastor. Any errors or omissions are purely my responsibility.
