February 9, 2005
Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?”
-Mark 8:27
What does it truly mean to be a follower of Jesus Christ? I mean…what does it really mean? There are so many around the world that claims Christianity as their religion. But Christianity is not a religion—it’s a relationship with a person, Jesus Christ. It is a marriage to God through a vital union with His Son, Jesus.
In the Gospel of mark we see a turn in the ministry of Jesus. Up until now, Christ has primarily dealt with the masses and multitudes performing miracles, touching lives, and healing people. But now, Jesus is about to turn it up a notch and begin explaining what it means to be a follower of Him.
Jesus spoke with such power, conviction, and truth, that the disciples, under the influence of popular opinion, said, “Many say you are a prophet of God and a great teacher.”
But, Jesus went on to ask, “Who do you say that I am? I don’t want the popular opinion. I want your person opinion. Who am I?”
And bodacious Simon Peter, always willing to speak, even if it was wrong, said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”
Jesus went on to warn the disciples not to tell anyone about who He truly was. Why did He do that? Because Jesus never marketed Himself. There are some today who think that what we need to do is market Jesus. And, indeed, we’re to get the church in the marketplace, but we must make sure that we never bring the marketplace in the church.
Who is Jesus to you? Who do you say that He is? You see, you can’t be neutral or nebulous regarding Christ. There’s something about Him. His stark reality in all of human history demands a decision. When you are in the marketplace, do you make it known through your actions and lifestyle the One whom you serve? I pray that you’ll begin to live up to reputation made for you by the One who saved you.
WHO DO YOU SAY THAT HE IS? HE IS THE CHRIST!