Can You Answer the Question?

~~~ Acts 12: 1-11 ~~~  Psalm 34 ~~~ Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 ~~~ Matthew 26: 13-19 ~~~ 

 

Paul is confiding in his friend Timothy about the hard times he has endured. He says, 'I have kept the faith' and because of my faith I will be rewarded by God.

"...The Lord stood by me and gave me strength..."

Paul is giving any credit for his accomplishments to the Lord. It was the Lord and not Paul himself who should be applauded and praised.

Paul seems to be comfortable with the knowledge of who God is. He never hesitates to humbly reference God.

To compliment this excerpt from the letter to Timothy we have Mattew's account of Jesus asking a question...

"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"

At first the question is fairly vague...who do people say...

Jesus quickly makes it a much more personal question...

"But who do you say that I am?"

Now the disciples must commit to an answer. They can no longer just give him answers based on hear say. Now they must decide for themselves. Who is this person named Jesus? Of course we are not surprised when Peter shouts out his answer.

That is just the way Peter is...he often acts before thinking.

But this time Jesus is do pleased with his answer he gave him a new name...

"...you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my Church..."

We do not need a new name to answer the very same question today.

Original photo: the word believe in gold script.

Who do you say Jesus is?

Who is he for you?

Is he as personal as he was to Peter?

Did you have to hesitate when you read that question?

Are you confident in your answer?