Who do YOU say that I am?

“But who do YOU say that I am?”

How many of us have developed an opinion or judgment about other person solei based on the opinions of others? 

While praying through a situation the Lord led me to this verse, but it’s knowing the context of that verse that made it so powerful in the moment—for me.

 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”[c]

“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah,[d] the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John,[e] because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’),[f] and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell[g] will not conquer it.  And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid[h] on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit[i] on earth will be permitted in heaven.” – Matt. 16:13-19

There is wisdom in having a wise counsel and seeking the opinion of others, but then there comes a time when you and I have to develop an opinion of our own…not based on anything else anyone has had.

This not only applies to our own relationship with Jesus—mommy, daddy, grandma and bible teacher cannot have a relationship with Jesus for you. At some point you have to make a decision for yourself. Who do YOU say that Jesus is?

But I believe this can also apply to friendships. We can get so lost in the opinions of others—which really is just gossip—that we never get to know someone for ourselves. We allow people, who you even trust and admire to tell you about someone, but until you step out and get to know someone for yourself, be careful to about the opinion, judgment or thought you have towards that person.

Peter could tell Jesus who everyone else thought he was. Granted, Jesus did ask, but after Peter gave an answer Jesus then asked Peter, “Who do YOU say that I am?” Peter answered correctly, but not because of what someone told him,“…because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.”

Spiritual discernment.

So let us be careful before we jump to conclusions, make assumptions, snap judgments, and cling to opinions of others at truth. Let us bring our concerns and questions to God and get to know people for ourselves…then make a decision.