When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:13-16
Throughout Jesus’ lifetime, the big question that followed Him everywhere was “Who is this man?” It was obvious to those around Him that He was no ordinary man. His words carried unusual authority, His life was filled with purpose, and men gladly dedicated their lives to follow Him. Many of the world religions today elevate the person of Jesus of Nazareth to a worthy example, or even a prophet who makes known the mysteries of God, but they stop short of Jesus’ own claim to be God in the flesh. Many people say that Jesus never claimed to be God, but I can show you many places in the Gospels where Jesus did that very thing.
Your salvation depends on who you believe Jesus to be. This world is full of people who admire the person of Jesus, but that inadequate belief won’t save their souls. You must believe that Jesus is God, and that Jesus alone is able to forgive you of your sins. Trusting in anything or anyone else will in the end, no matter how devout, no matter how dedicated, leave the believer separated from God.
Jesus asks you this most important question today, “Who do you say I am?” Your salvation hangs in the balance. What you truly believe will be revealed by what you do with this belief. If you believe that Jesus is God, you will worship Him.
