"Who Do YOU Say that I Am?"

~~~ James 2: 1-9 ~~~ Psalm 34 ~~~ Mark 8: 27-33 ~~~

Every year in my classroom I would have the student who was so eager to answer a question that he could not stay in his chair. Waving his hand in the air frenetically, bouncing up as if his seat was somehow scorching his bottom. It was a sight to behold and usually not how I wanted the student to respond. Even if they did know the correct answer that was certainly not the acceptable way to get the teachers' attention.

This is what I see happening today in the gospel. Jesus is walking along with his disciples, as he did every day,  having a casual conversation when he poses a question to them. "Who do people say that I am?" Jesus knew that the disciples often mingled with the local people and would have overheard their conversations. He was gathering information. He was curious about what people were saying.

Just like a bunch of kids wanting to be heard; they begin to call out answers...John the Baptist, Elijah, one of the prophets. But then he stops, turns to them, gets more personal and asks, "But who do you say that I am?" It is here where I see the enthusiastic student...Peter could hardly wait to give the answer. "You are the Christ." Like duh, of course I know who you are.

If you recall just a few verses earlier Jesus was frustrated with the disciples because they did not seem to be catching on. They seemed to be confused as to who Jesus really was and why his actions were important. On this occassion he was just checking to see if anything had improved. Was any progress being made?

Peter confidently gave the answer that alarmed Jesus, "You are the Christ." Jesus knew if the disciples freely announced that he was indeed the Christ more trouble and unrest would be stirred among the Pharisees and others. Peter loved Jesus and did not want to see him suffer. Jesus began to teach them about his fate that was on the horizon. This further disturbed Peter, who tried to convince Jesus to stop revealing these events.

Frustrated with them once again, Jesus scolds them for not thinking on a higher level. He wants them to believe that he has come to save us all. He wants them to start thinking as God does.

The question asked by Jesus that day is also the question we must answer for ourselves. Jesus used the pronoun you, he was directing his question to each individual. It is important for you to answer this same question because God wants to have a personal relationship with you. He wants you to be honest with yourself. You must speak for yourself no one else can determine what your personal relationship is with God.

Your answer to this question must come from within; it must be stated with conviction. It must be stated without doubt or hesitation. It must be stated in humility.

In some situations we give answers we think we should give or answers we think are expected of us. The question today can only be answered by you to God, for he already knows what is in your heart. You cannot fool him. You cannot let another respond for you.

I invite you to take some time today to answer Jesus. He is talking to you.

Who do You say that he is?

If you are not sure of your answer today...pray.

If you are hesitant or fearful to commit to an answer...pray.

If you feel your answer is not good enough...pray.

Jesus desires to have a personal relationship with you.

Jesus wants you to know who he is.

Jesus wants you to believe that he is here for you.

I chose this picture of hot air balloons because once you lift off into the air you are on your own. You are in your own little basket.

This kaleidoscope image reminds me that no matter what is happening around me I must be mindful of my personal relationship with God. Jesus would have taken the form of a human just to save me. How can I deny him an intimate relationship?