Who Do You Say That I Am?
On one occasion Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” His disciples answered, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets” Then Jesus asked His disciples another question: “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:13-15). What is your answer to that question?
The following are some of the Bible’s answers as to the identity of Jesus.
Jesus is the Christ
In response to Jesus’ question, Peter answered by saying, “You are the Christ” (Matthew 16:16). The word “Christ” literally means “anointed one.” As we search the scriptures we come to realize that prophets, priests, and kings were anointed with oil. As Christ, Jesus was anointed as Prophet (Acts 3:19-22), Priest (Hebrews 7:20-28), and King (John 18:37-38).
Jesus is the Son of God
In response to Jesus’ question, Peter also answered, “You are the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain, “and behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him” (Matthew 17:1-3). Then “a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”
(Matthew 17:5). Jesus was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:4).
Jesus is Lord
As Peter concluded his sermon on the day of Pentecost, Peter told the Jews: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ — this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36). The word “Lord” means “master” or “one who has supreme authority.” If we accept that He is Lord we must obey His commandments. “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). There is coming a day when “every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11).
Jesus is the Savior
An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream informing him that the child conceived in Mary was of the Holy Spirit, saying, “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21). The only way we can be saved from our sins is through the blood of Jesus Christ. “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Christ saves those who believe in Him (Acts 16:31), confesses Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized in His name for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38). Are you saved?
Jesus is the Judge
Paul preached to the people at Athens, “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31). We do not know when that appointed day will be however, we do know the standard by which we will be judged. “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day” (John 12:48). As the judge, Jesus will deliver one of two sentences. “Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” or “Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:31-46). What will you hear from the judge?
Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God. He is Lord and Savior. He will be the one to judge us on the last day. However, just believing these facts about His identity will not be enough to save us from the penalty of sin. We must admit these truths through our faith and obedience if we want salvation.
Jesus still asks, “Who do you say that I am?”
What is your answer?
