Verse for the week of September 13th:
Jesus asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’
Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah’ (Mark 8:29)
This text is one of the central and core texts of the church. The context for this verse is that Jesus had just healed a blind man and then asks the disciples about who people in the culture were saying he was. The disciples gave with a variety of answers—some say Elijah, others a prophet, etc.
Jesus then goes further and asks the disciples who they think that he is. This move from asking about others to asking the disciples directly is a critical shift.
What is important in our own faith life is not whether or not we know what others say about Jesus; but what we say about Jesus. The question becomes: Who is Jesus to you?
What role does Jesus play in your life? Is Jesus just someone that you learned nice songs about in Sunday School and Church Camp? or Is Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life?
In the text, Peter’s confession tells us a lot about who Jesus is. When Peter says to Jesus that he is the Messiah—he is acknowledging that Jesus is the promised one of God, the anointed one that God promised to send to redeem Israel. And it turns out, not just Israel, but the entire world.
Is your confession that Jesus is the Messiah—the promised one who has come into the world to save us and wash away our sins? If so, how does that confession get lived out in your day to day life? What difference does it make in your daily activities that you are a Christian and confession Jesus as Messiah? Should it impact how you treat others? What you watch on TV?
For me personally, I attempt to stop and think about comments I might make and ask myself is this something that is appropriate and I wouldn’t be embarrassed to say in front of Jesus. While it became cliché to use the phrase WWJD (What Would Jesus Do)—I think this may still be a helpful phrase to think about. When we make a confession like Peter that Jesus is the Messiah, it should cause us to rethink how we live our life and ask questions like WWJD when we face decisions.
How do you live out your confession of Jesus as Messiah?
I really like these. Thank you for taking the time to do them!
I felt particularly connected to the message this week about living a life of service. I think the idea of leading a service-oriented life is what drew me to the field of health care, because health care providers focus their attention on other people’s needs everyday. I’m also glad I can be a part of the Luther League, and I’m excited to see the direction it is going. I’ve seen first hand a change from a once-a-month social organization to a youth group actively serving at local and national levels.
In the Monday night message, I liked the story about a man who lived his life by the word “JOY,” because it was a reminder to put Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last. As I continue to try lead a life of service, I will remember to do so with JOY.
Thanks for sharing the message of “JOY” When we lead a life of true service, we please God, others and then ourselves. This leads to a life of wholeness, and other will see Jesus by our example.