Monday 20th January 2020 Devotion
Scripture:- Matthew 16:13-20
Topic:- Who Is Jesus
Text:- Matthew 16:15
For those just beginning to ask questions about Jesus, and those who have known Him for a long time, is a journey toward discovering the truth about history’s most monumental figure and humanity’s opportunity to know Him personally.
The Bible teaches that true followers of Christ will desire to tell others about Him and what He’s done in their lives that will equip you with the answers you need to go share the Good News!
Is Jesus really who He says He is? Is He really the most important person in history? Someone who deserves our respect and admiration — or is He more than that? Is He someone who deserves our worship?
There was a time when identity theft was something to worry about only if you had your purse or wallet stolen. Now, in our online world, it’s a constant threat as hackers devise new ways of stealing vital details about our lives. It could be someone next door or on the other side of the world accessing information about our home, work, or financial accounts. As a result, we rely on trustworthy servers, established websites, and well-known online merchants, hoping their encryption defenses can prevent thieves from using our information for illegal gain. We want to be in control of all the pieces that form the basis of who we are, what we do, and how much we’re worth.
Our personal identities are even more complex — the result of countless variables reflecting biology and genetics as well as our temperaments and experiences.
Even when we think we have a handle on who we are, it becomes more challenging to know the true identity of the people around us.
It doesn’t take long for us to learn we can’t judge a book by its cover. But at the same time, we often find that people are exactly whom they appear to be. Loved ones we’ve known all our lives can still surprise us, while new acquaintances prove the accuracy of our first impressions.
Trying to understand the identity of a person from the past can prove even more difficult. Filtered through the perceptions, memories, and written accounts of others over centuries of time, it can be tough for us to find a focused portrait.
We’re left to wonder what great historical figures such as Joan of Arc, Napoleon, Queen Victoria, and even Elvis Presley were really like.
With Jesus, it’s even more complicated. His presence emerges in history, literature, theology — every major area of thought and human endeavor.
But who is Jesus, really? Even during His life on earth, people couldn’t agree on who they thought He was. And we’re still wrestling with this question today, aren’t we?
During the course of our lives, each of us makes certain assumptions and reaches specific conclusions about who we think Jesus is.
We listen to what others say, peruse passages in the Bible, consider our own personal encounters, and synthesize various pieces of information and experiences.
Then we formulate our opinion, usually as a work in progress. Right now, today, who do you consider Jesus to be? Who is Jesus? What’s the basis for your answer?
Read aloud Matthew 16:13–20. As you listen to this exchange Jesus had with his disciples, try to imagine you’re right there as part of their conversation.
The following questions as you answer will give you more understanding to whom Jesus is:
1. What stands out to you from this dialogue Jesus had with His disciples? And Why?
2. Why do you think Jesus asked His disciples what other people were saying about Him?
3. Why would Jesus then order His disciples not to tell anyone yet that He was the Messiah?
Prayer Point:- Oh Lord God, give me power and grace to be able to know You more than before henceforth by fire, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Have A Lovely Monday!
