Hi Everyone -- a little late today . . .
In chapter 8:27 ff there is Peter's declaration about Jesus. Jesus asks the question: "who do people say that I am" and the non followers have a wide range of opinions saying he is John the Baptist, he is a prophet, he is Elijah, etc. That situation has not changed in 2000 years. Ask people who do not know Jesus and you will get a wide range of opinions -- he is a legend, he is a lunatic, he is a good moral teacher, he is a fine example for us to follow, he is (find your own favorite and insert it here). It is not possible to know who Jesus is outside of an actual relationship with him.
Jesus then turns the question to his followers: and you, who do you say that I am? Peter, answering for the entourage responds: "You are the Messiah". Messiah is a Hebrew word meaning the anointed one. That same word in Greek is Christos (we would say Christ). When we walk with Jesus and when we learn from him and when we come to know him in profound and personal ways . . . there is never any doubt that he is who he says he is.
Have a great day!
1 comment:
It's difficult for me to understand how anyone could overlook the divinity of Jesus, when His works alone testify that He is sent from the Father (let alone the prophecies fulfilled, the testimony of the Father during His baptism, etc.). He's not legend or a tale spun by the Roman empire to control the masses with religion, it seems unexplainable that one would not do this necessary homework and at least arrive at the conclusion that He is an historical figure. Once that basic knowledge is obtained, how do people approach these stories told by his contemporaries with an attitude of indifference? But for the grace of God and the gift of faith it is said none would arrive at this conclusion concerning the Lord's divine nature! That just WOWS me to no end, as it seems the only viable alternative would be...well, nothing but that He is the Christ!!!!!!
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