Who is Jesus to You?

TEXT:

‘But who do you say that I am?’ – Matthew 16:15

THOUGHT:

The Saltash Regatta was held over the weekend of 17/18^th June. Rowing competitions along the River Tamar combined with live music, all kinds of take-away food and stalls promoting charities, churches and local businesses. A baking-hot, dry, sunny day ensured thousands attended. Engage Saltash church was represented there on the Saturday only and the theme of its stall was, “Jesus – the Water of Life.” Very appropriate for thirsty people on that hot day and many times we were asked how much the bottles of water were. In fact we were giving them away free as a “thank you” for those who completed the Regatta Survey. The free gift of water helped to illustrate the free gift of salvation that Jesus gives to everyone who is willing to repent and put their trust in Him as their Saviour and Lord.

The survey concentrated on five key questions.

Do you believe in God?

What do you believe will happen to you at the end of your life?

What do you believe about Jesus?

Is there a question you would like to ask God?

Would you want to know God in a personal way?

It was usually the third question about Jesus that brought out into the open the most amazing concepts people said they believed. Some thought He was an alien, while others said He never existed. One person told me that He was the grand-child of King Herod for Mary had married into royalty. No place for Joseph in their thinking! Other replies included an ordinary man; a prophet or messenger from God; or even a few believing that Jesus is the Son of God.

This collection of weird and wonderful ideas is not dissimilar to when Jesus asked His disciples, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man am?’ – Matthew 16:13. The disciples’ replies ranged from a resurrected John the Baptist, to Elijah, Jeremiah or another one of the prophets – Matthew 16:14. Perhaps if there had been space travel in their day, the thought that Jesus was an alien would have been suggested too!

Then Jesus asked His disciples directly, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ This is the most important question anyone can be asked, for it has the greatest consequences.

• It does not matter what other people think, it’s what you believe about Jesus that is so important

See how Jesus moved from “Men” to “Them” in His questions. From public opinion to personal conviction. From “What do they say?” to “But what do you say?” Sometimes Peter got it wrong, but on this occasion he was exactly right when he replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God’ – Matthew 16:16.

• God will only deal with you on the basis of what you say about Jesus

Someone can spend a lifetime as a blasphemer, but the moment they repent and call on the name of the Lord, they will be saved. Jesus promised, ‘Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him’ – Matthew 12:31. This is the grace of God! One of the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus started cursing, but soon changed his attitude as he saw Jesus hanging there, dying for the sins of the world. He cried out as a guilty terrorist, ‘Lord, remember me.’ Jesus instantly replied, ‘Today, you will be with Me in Paradise’ – Luke 23:42-43.

• There is a day coming when everyone will have to acknowledge Jesus for who He really is – ‘Every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father’ – Philippians 2:11

On that day, no matter where you are, your lips will have to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord. Do not wait for the day when you will be forced to do that. Through the eyes of faith see who Jesus really is now – your personal Saviour and God. Saul of Tarsus hated Christians and Christianity and tried his best to destroy both. One day he had an encounter with the risen Jesus and immediately said, ‘Lord, what do you want me to do?’ – Acts 9:6. The enemy became the evangelist for the very cause he had vowed to destroy!

It was thrilling to see a lady who had completed the survey, in church on the Sunday and we are certain that others will follow in the weeks that lie ahead.

Pontius Pilate asked the question of the Jewish religious leaders, ‘What then do you want me to do with Him who you call the King of the Jews?’ – Mark 15:12.

What will your answer be?