What is the most important question you can ever ask? There are so many. But, consider that “Who Is Jesus?” might be the most important question of all. As we move into chapter 25 of The Story, we find Jesus and his disciples in Caesarea Philippi – a region full of different religions. This area was known as Paneon, or the home of the Greek god Pan. At one time, it was the center of Baal worship. A temple was located there, dedicated to the godhead of Caesar. Other temples of Syrian gods dotted the landscape.
There were plenty of gods to choose from in Caesarea Philippi. So Jesus asks his disciples this question: “Who do you say I am?” (Mark 8:29). At first he asked them what others were saying about him. The answers came back in rapid fire: “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”
But Jesus was more concerned with their answer to his question, so he asked, “Who do you say I am?” They all looked at this homeless carpenter and thought about that question. We don’t know how long they thought before Peter replied, “You are the Christ.”
Who do you say he is? Have you given it much thought? Some say he was crazy, claiming to be God, but just a man. Some say he was just another liar, that he knew exactly what he was saying but was deviously misleading those around him. But there are those who have, along with Peter, said that Jesus is the Christ. He is God in the flesh. He is the Savior.
If you have not answered this question from Jesus, then go to your own Caesarea Philippi, and let him ask you, “Who do you say that I am?” Your answer will be the greatest one you will ever give.
-Pastor Jane