Jesus had a way of talking with the disciples that engaged and challenged them. He would start with something comfortable or well-known and gently guide them into a deeper conversation that would stretch them. Often, the conversation would start with something quite general and then move on to address something more specific.
Jesus
opens this discussion with a question that they could easily answer. He asked them to tell him what they had heard the people say about him. The disciples were happy to share what they had heard: “John the Baptist”, “Elijah”, “One of the prophets”. This was not a new answer. This was the kind of response Herod had received some time before, and it had simply spread to another part of the Roman Empire.
Then Jesus turns the question
specifically to them: “Who do you say I am?”
We can read countless books about Jesus. We can study Christian Theology in great depth. We can even learn copious scripture texts by heart, but unless we openly develop a relationship with Jesus, we will not be able to answer this question for ourselves. Faith in Jesus is more than an exercise of the mind. Faith in Jesus is a matter of Jesus touching our hearts.
Pause for a moment and consider who do you say Jesus is?
Listen to the answers in your heart and listen for the beautiful experiences that come from within.
If there's anything about Jesus you long to know or feel?
Reflections by Cherie-Lynn van der Merwe
We end this reflection time each day this week, building on words from Psalm 62:1,8.
Let us pray:
