Scripture to Read: Luke 9:18–22
The disciples had seen God work miracles through them; they witnessed God’s power and provision in the feeding of the crowd of over five thousand. But then, God had Luke record this in Luke 9:18–22, “And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, ‘Who do the people say that I am?’ 19 They answered and said, ‘John the Baptist, and others say Elijah; but others, that one of the prophets of old has risen again.’ 20 And He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ And Peter answered and said, ‘The Christ of God.’ 21 But He warned them and instructed them not to tell this to anyone, 22 saying, ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day.’” With everything the disciples had experienced so far, Jesus knew it was time to ask them an important question. First, Jesus focused on what others were saying about Him. This was important because an unguarded heart can be swayed by the crowd. But when Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am,” it opened the door for them to express what they truly believed about Him. Peter was quick to answer, “The Christ of God.” If we are true followers of Jesus and have surrendered to Him, then we must proclaim Him as the one true Messiah who came to save this world from the power and penalty of sin.
Challenge & Application
Why was it important for the disciples to decide who Jesus was, and of course still is?
Why must we know for sure who Jesus is, and how does what we believe about Him impact all areas of our lives?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!