MARK 8:27-30 – And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.”  And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.”

In today’s scripture, our Lord Jesus presents two questions to His disciples.  The first one is what we may call “safe” as it looks to other people. The latter one is anything but safe as it reveals not only who and what we are living for in this life, but the terror or bliss in the fast-approaching next life.  And every human being answers the second one.  There is no avoiding it.  There is also no hiding the true answer.  The One asking the question already knows the true answer from each of us.

In looking at the first question, Jesus is traveling with His disciples and simply asks, “Who do people say that I am?”  The answers were as varied as there were disciples.  We hear from them, “John the Baptist”, “Elijah”, and still yet other names of various prophets were offered.  Yes, this is a safe answer because it doesn’t go to the heart of the individual.  And when it comes to Christianity and one’s relationship with God, it is always and primarily an issue of the heart.  That leads to the second question.

As the Lord and His disciples continue to stroll toward the villages of Caesarea Philippi, a second question is put forth by Jesus.  This one dug deep. This one was like a skilled surgeon knowing exactly where to cut to get to the core issue.  Jesus would have looked at all of them as He shows no partiality and says, “But who do you say that I am?”  I wonder who went first.  I wonder how long each one took to formulate an answer.  Well, it makes sense the impulsive Peter would go first, and though impulsive, he was right on with his answer – “You are the Christ.”  And Peter would prove his answer, not without failing, but over and over with his sincerity He professed Jesus as the Christ, and he lived his life surrendered to Jesus as the Christ.  Yes, even in his failings, he maintained his profession.  How do we know? His sorrow. His repentance. His restoration.

The second question Jesus asked His disciples then, He asks of us now. Today. Every day.  Like Peter, if we profess Jesus is Christ, or Jesus is Lord, then our words must be validated by our lifestyles. This means all areas of lifestyles; time, money, relationships, possessions, priorities and everything in between.  It is true, “Jesus is either Lord of all or not Lord at all.”  May we strive to make our practice closer and closer to our profession.

PRAYER: “Father, may my life reflect the truth that I profess – that Jesus is my Lord and Master.”

QUOTE: “If we profess Jesus as Lord then our conduct must practice the obedience that shows He is Lord.”