4/18/25 Who Do You Say I Am?
- Fr. Patrick Bush
- Apr 18
- 2 min read
Takeaway: Discovering the real Jesus, not just the one we’ve imagined.
“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.’ Jesus replied, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.’” — Matthew 16:13-17
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I come into Your presence, quiet my heart and open my mind to Your truth. Remove distractions and draw me closer to You. Speak through Your Word, and let Your Spirit guide me in wisdom and love. May this time deepen my faith, and renew my spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection
It’s a question that has echoed throughout history and remains just as vital today. Many in Jesus’ time had their own ideas about Him—some saw Him as a prophet, a teacher, or even a political revolutionary. But when Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Who do you say I am?” He wasn’t looking for secondhand opinions. He was asking for a personal confession.
Peter responded boldly, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” His answer was not based on popular speculation or personal desire but on divine revelation. Jesus affirms that Peter’s understanding came not from human wisdom but from God Himself.
This passage challenges us to examine our own understanding of Jesus. Have we unknowingly shaped Him into a version that fits our preferences—one who only comforts but never convicts, one who blesses but never asks for surrender, one who aligns with our values rather than transforming them?
It’s easy to create a Jesus who meets our expectations rather than following the real Jesus revealed in Scripture. But encountering the true Christ requires us to lay aside our assumptions and allow God to open our hearts to who He truly is—Messiah, Savior, and Son of the Living God.
Question
How do cultural or personal expectations influence your perception of Jesus?
Application
• Examine Your Assumptions. Have you shaped Jesus according to your desires rather than allowing Scripture to shape your understanding of Him?
• Respond Personally. Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?” Your answer is not just a statement of belief but a declaration that shapes your life.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, I don’t want to follow a version of You that I’ve created in my mind—I want to know You as You truly are. Open my heart to Your truth and strip away any false ideas I’ve held about You. Give me the faith to declare, like Peter, that You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God, and the courage to live according to that truth. Amen.
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