Matthew 16:15-16
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
“Believe.” Around this time of year that one simple, but powerful word can be found written on holiday decorations, posted next to Santa at the mall, and spoken on countless movies.
What is interesting is that this word, or more so idea can mean something different for each of us. Specifically during the holiday season people often associate “Believe” with Jesus, Santa, or the good of mankind.
The truth is, we all believe in something. Let me ask you, what do you believe and why? I can truly think of no greater question that each of us must answer as ultimately how we respond to this question will determine how we live our lives.
In Matthew 16:13-16 we read about a conversation Jesus had with His disciples. During their talk Jesus asked, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
How would you answer that question? Who do you say Jesus is? Do you believe that Jesus is truly the Son of the living God, the Savior of the world? I do. Or, like some, do you believe that Jesus was simply a prophet, teacher, or moral example?
I believe that Jesus is Who He claimed to be for two primary reasons. First, on an intellectual level Christianity (and therefore the belief that Jesus is the Son of God) is not a blind faith. The world around us points towards a Creator. From intelligent design, DNA, laws of nature, God’s pursuit of us, and morality among other things I am convinced that the Bible provides us with the best possible explanation of…well, everything. And given the evidence for the reliability of the Bible I have found no better answers for life’s greatest questions than those it provides.
Second, on a personal level I have seen what Jesus Christ has done in not only my life, but in the lives of so many who have placed their faith in Him. While personal experience can’t be measured in specific terms, it also cannot be dismissed.
This holiday season, I would encourage you to answer the question for yourself of Who Jesus is.
John 14:6 says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Clearly, there is too much riding on how you answer this question to let it go unanswered.
This Christmas may you not only believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, but may you know Him personally as your Lord and Savior too.
Blessings,
Lynne
