TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

18 Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?”

19 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.”

20 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”

Luke 9:18–27

DEVOTIONAL

by Stephanie Reloj

I love hearing fellow Christians answer the question, “Who is Jesus for you?” Some say, Savior, Lord, Friend, Messiah, Provider, and more. As I listen to the reason behind their answers, I am blessed by their conviction.

In ancient Judea, where whispers of miracles and teachings of a wandering rabbi filled the air, a key question hung on the lips of many: Who is Jesus? Some speculated that He was a prophet resurrected from the past, while others wondered if He might be a great teacher or a revolutionary leader. Yet, amidst the myriad of opinions, one truth emerged—Jesus is the Messiah, the long-awaited Savior of humanity.

In Luke 9:18–27, after witnessing Jesus’ miraculous deeds and hearing His teachings, Jesus poses a crucial question: “Who do the crowds say that I am?” The disciples recount the various speculations circulating among the people, but then Jesus redirects the question to them personally: “But who do you say that I am?”

Peter, known for his impulsive nature, steps forward with unwavering conviction: “God’s Messiah.” In this simple yet profound declaration, Peter acknowledges as the promised descendant of David who would deliver His people from sin and death. The significance of Peter’s confession resonates deeply with the hope and longing of generations past. For centuries, the people of Israel awaited the arrival of the Messiah, the anointed one who would establish God’s kingdom on earth and bring salvation to all who believed. Now, in the person of Jesus, this ancient prophecy finds its fulfillment.

Jesus, the Son of God, came not only to deliver people from physical afflictions and demonic oppression but to offer the ultimate liberation from sin and death. As the Messiah, He embodies the fulfillment of God’s promises and the embodiment of divine grace and love.

Today, the question Jesus posed to His disciples echoes throughout the corridors of time, reverberating in the depths of our souls: “Who do you say that I am?” Like Peter, we are called to respond with clarity and conviction, acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah, the Savior of the world.

 

PRAYER