But, who do You say that I am

If we didn’t know better and this were the first time we were reading Luke’s account in his gospel, Luke 9:18-24 they had been paying attention to what’s been going on as they followed Jesus. When Jesus asks "Who do you say that I am," a question they should have readily been able to answer, they were really answering for the crowds of followers. After all these are his close “friends.” As such, their answers were all over the lot: some said John the Baptist, others Elijah and still others, one of the prophets. Now, this is after they have seen him feed thousands; cure the sick; raise the dead, and cast out demons. Needless to say he’s provided enough clues as to who he really is. But Jesus wanted to know who they say he is. Finally Peter gets it and comes up with the right answer, and proclaims “The Christ of God.”  It was important for the disciples as it is for us to know that Jesus is the Messiah.  

In essence, believing is an intellectual exercise; faith is an intuitive sense of knowing and trusting that “something” exists. It transcends the intellect.  We don’t believe in air or water; we know they exist. Defining “faith” requires words. Words are a human intellectual construct. Faith is a God-given spiritual reality that defies language’s ability to define. 

It was important for the disciples to commit themselves to Jesus and give their allegiance to him. He was about to undertake a journey that would destroy him, but would inevitably lead to glory. They had to decide whether they would accept the fear of personally identifying with Jesus 

Jesus Christ is real to us here and now, but it is not enough to say we believe that he exists. We are called to give our allegiance to Jesus, and assent to committing ourselves to him…through him… with him…and in him.

 

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Luke 9:18-24