How Do You Answer His Question?

Suppose your friend asked you what people were saying about whether or not he would be the right person for the promotion? You might answer something like "Most people agree that you are ready" or "you may face some serious opposition from some of the other people in the office". Either way, you have answered the question based upon how you think other people will respond but what if your friend asked you "Do you think that I am the right person for the promotion?", now you are on the spot. For the sake of this discussion, let's say that you do not think that this person should get the promotion. Do you, for the sake of your friendship, say "Of course!" or do you tell the truth by saying "I don't think you are ready for that yet."?

In Matthew chapter 16, Jesus asked His disciples "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" (verse 13). They answered "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." (verse 14). That question was easy because it didn't cost them anything. All they did was say what they had heard. It didn't matter if they agreed with it or not. It didn't matter if it was the right answer or not because Jesus just asked about what they heard others say... but then Jesus changed the question. "But who do you say that I am?" (verse 15). Now the pressure was on them. Did they really believe that Jesus was who He said He was or were they still trying to decide? Simon Peter answered "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (verse 16) and that was the right answer. Jesus even said "flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven" (verse 17).

But what about you? I am not going to ask you what would you have answered. I am asking you about how you answer that question every day. How does your daily life answer the question "Who do you say that Jesus is?"? Does your daily walk show that you believe in Jesus and are committed to living for Him? Or does your daily walk look like those who are still living for themselves? If you claim to be a Christian but live like someone who doesn't know Jesus, then you are deceiving yourself. 1 John 1:6 (ESV) — 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

So examine your daily life and recognize what you are telling everyone on a daily basis. "Who do you say that Jesus is?"