Jesus is the Final Answer

Do you remember the show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire? The contestant answers a series of questions, and when they answer each question correctly, they earn incremental amounts of money. The goal is to make it all the way to the top and win a million dollars.

The contestant gets three lifelines—phone a friend, 50/50, or they can ask the audience, but in the end, they are on their own to give the final answer. It reminds me of what is happing in Matthew 16:13-20. In this particular passage of Scripture, Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

Jesus’ disciples respond by telling what they have heard others say: “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Jesus then narrows it down to ask a more personal question: “But who do you say I am?” It is Simon Peter who gives the final and correct answer: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!”

When it comes to our relationship with Christ, it is not enough to poll the audience or phone a friend, although those are helpful tools in seeking spiritual advice and wise counsel. At the end of the day, only you can give the final answer to this question. Who is Jesus to you? Do you declare His authority as the Son of the Living God and your Savior?

I was seven-years-old when I prayed to become a Christian. I knew I was not perfect, and if I wanted to be with the One who was, I needed help—I needed someone to save me. That Someone was Jesus.

God desires a personal relationship with us, not just a “follow the crowd” attitude. A personal relationship with God involves talking with Him and spending alone time with Him. When we sit and enjoy God’s company day after day, we begin to desire Him more. Our hearts are changed when we sit in the presence of the one true God each day.

When Peter declared Jesus is the Messiah—the Son of the Living God—Jesus blessed him, and gave him something worth so much more than a million dollars. Jesus said, “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.” When we declare that Jesus is Lord, we immediately receive the precious gift of the Holy Spirit, who lovingly guides and comforts us. It is only through a true, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, that we are able to experience true freedom and true joy. Jesus is the Messiah! Do you know Him?

Passage

Questions for Thought

1. How old were you when you professed Jesus as your personal Savior? Reflect on how your relationship with Christ has changed your life. If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, today is a great day to start!
2. Who do people say you are? Are you known as a disciple of Christ?

Daily Challenge