“He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?” Matthew 16:15

Dear Reader,

Jesus ask His followers this question. They watched Him teach thousands. They saw Him heal the sick and raise the dead to life. They heard all of the criticisms from the unbelieving. They saw His response to those who opposed Him. They saw it all. And Jesus asked them where they stand.

Jesus’ question is one that He asks to every soul. You see, our Bible is open and free. Though we do not see Him preach on the mountaintops today, He is preaching daily in His holy Word. Therefore, you could ascertain that we have an even greater blessing. The fullness of His life and doctrine contained in just a few pages!

So the question is, dear reader, who do you say that He is?

Before you answer, consider your ways. I can say with my mouth, “I am a plumber.” But the truth is, I am not. My mouth may confess it, but in truth I am not a plumber.

Now, I may fix a few leaky pipes around the house. And that may cause my heart to believe that I am a plumber! But I am not a plumber. It is not my passion and profession. Therefore, I am not a plumber.

For example, you may say, “I believe that Jesus is the creator of the world.” But do you adhere to that statement in truth? Do you accept modern scientific theories that deny the existence of God? Or worse, do you teach little children those same devilish doctrines? If so, then you may proclaim with your mouth that Jesus created the world. But in truth, you practice and proclaim that some of what we see happened by random biological chance.

So, as you begin to think on Christ’s question, consider your ways in soberness and truth. Do not jump to conclusions even though you know the right answer. Place yourself on trial and be an austere judge. The heart, especially our own, is difficult to know deeply.

Who is Jesus

He is the First and the Last – Christ made the world as we see it. He uniquely created giraffes and ants, mountains and hail, lightning and sand. He was in the beginning, but will also be the One standing at the end of time. Is this Jesus to you?

He is able to save to the uttermost – There is no sinner that cannot become a saint. There is no man that Christ has not called to holiness. Do you believe this?

He is captain of man’s salvation – He is the only means by which one is saved. No level of Bible reading, prayer, asceticism, religious company, or even preaching can establish the holiness required to be in Heaven one day. It is His life that saves a soul. The only thing a man contributes to salvation is the sin that made it necessary (Jonathan Edwards).

He is the advocate with the Father – He is always praying to God and asking for the souls of men. Right now. Christ is the One who gives weight to our prayers. Without an advocate, a Christian would have no voice. Do you believe this about Him?

He is Almighty – There is nothing that He cannot do. He who made the world can change the world. He is only limited by our own faith. Nothing else. Reader, is this Christ to you?

He is the Bread of Life – Can you go days without your necessary food? Not many. Can you go days without feasting on the Word of God? Not many. Just as your physical life can die of starvation, your spiritual life can all the more. Do you believe that Jesus is of such necessary benefit to our soul daily?

He the brightness of God’s glory – His life and teaching on earth was the glory of God manifested to us. There has never been anyone more pure, lovely, and truthful than Jesus Christ. His life laid bare the very heart of God. Do you believe this?

He is the first begotten of the dead – He died, but yet liveth. He conquered the power of death. This shows all who believe on His name that He alone has the power to raise the dead. His conquering is a Christian’s confidence that He will not leave them in the grave when they die. Do you believe this?

He is the lamb of God – He came to earth meek and lowly. He didn’t have to. He took this name upon Himself to win the world and obey His Father. He willingly gave Himself to the slaughter. He gave His life for sinful man.

He is the bridegroom – He is likened to a man who is marrying a woman. His church is His bride. It is His joy and responsibility. Are you a part of His bride that honors Him? Do not be partakers of spiritual adultery against Christ as the bridegroom. An unfaithful church is an abomination to God and also to the world. He is a jealous husband, as He should be.

He is the great physician – He can heal the physical body, the emotional body, and the spiritual soul. He came to destroy the works of the devil. Reader, do you believe this or did the devils tell you that was back in biblical times?

He is the Holy One – He did not commit sin. He walked in perfect obedience to God. He was tempted in every way as we are, yet was without sin. Is this Jesus to you?

He is the man of sorrows – He was not, and is not, happy. He lived a lonely life on earth. It was full of criticisms and unbelief in Him and His Father. Even today He is grieved all day long. Look at the world and see the depravity. Do you think Christ is indifferent to babies being murdered, fornications and adulteries, and families being broken. No, He is deeply sorrowful. Dear reader, are you? Is your heart following in the footsteps of the sorrowful Jesus?

He is the good shepherd – He commands His flock. He protects His flock. He feeds His flock. He is gentle with His flock. Do you know Him as the Great Shepherd of your soul? Does He guide your entire life and bring you near the still waters for restoration after the journey?

He is the rock of offense – His life and ministry offends more people than anyone who has ever lived. This is because His light exposes men’s dark deeds. It is not because He is rude, arrogant, high-minded, or critical. Men hate purity when it exposes and embarrasses their filth. Likewise, a Christian is the most lovely person one could meet. But most will find offense by their life and purity. Dear reader, is Christ offensive to you? What about his true followers?

He is the King of Kings – He came meek and lowly, but He is no peasant. He is a King. Not just a King, He is The King. All others are as grasshoppers under His feet. Every man, woman, and child will bow down before His throne one fateful day. Most that didn’t acknowledge His reign will be terrified. Few that did submit to His lordship will be in adoration.

So, dear reader, Christ is awaiting your response every moment. “Whom say ye that I am?