Who Do You Say I Am?

Light through the Gate by Dee Kamp

Who Do You Say I Am

Several years ago now, I was a guest at a book store to “meet the author” hour. A young man and his wife began to share their story of a year long journey to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and from this they wrote a book. I listened with great interest as their vividly shared with great eloquence their travels in Israel.

But soon I found myself becoming quite restless in my seat. What was going on? Something didn’t fit with their message, something was out of place but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

When it came to a time for the audience to ask questions several eager people raised up their hands. I had nothing in mind to ask, but all of sudden―up popped my hand!  

When the author turned my way and said, “And what is your question?” I asked him without hesitation, goodness, the words seemed to fly out of my mouth, “Who do you say Jesus is?”

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:15 NIV

In Matthew 16:15 Peter was faced with the same question from Jesus. In Matthew 16:16 Peter answered without hesitation, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”

When my question was presented to the author he stood very still not saying anything for a long time as if puzzled.

I realized then, this is what was missing in all those accounts of his trip following in the footsteps of Jesus. The true identity of who Jesus was. This well-educated man called Jesus a teacher, a scholar, a good man, but never did he say, He was Christ, the Son of the Living God! I was stunned the author could not say who Jesus really was.

There is an identity crisis in our country today. Not of people, but of who Jesus truly is. The question today of Jesus’ identity rises above all the rest and is of great significance. Many books are written, but only the Bible tells us the truth in which we all can depend on who Jesus truly is.

I learned a huge lesson that night.  Discernment and wisdom come from the Lord when we keep our eyes and hearts wide open to Him.  And it’s eternally important we make no mistake in understanding who Jesus really is and to be able to say so with joyful, truthful conviction.  

“Who Do You Say I am?” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© December 9, 2014