Walk In Confidence! (part 2 of 2)

Do we have a faith on which we hobble or a faith that helps us stand up tall and walk on with confidence? When we consider the truth relating to Who Jesus is, do we PERSONALLY feel a sense of power to motivate us in life? Or do we still wonder about Him?

As Jesus walked the face of this earth, there was a lot of wavering and questioning regarding who He was. The people were greatly divided ( John 7:43) in their opinions. There were those who thought Jesus was merely a good man while others felt He was leading the people astray. ( John 7:12) Some, having observed His miracles wondered if “the Christ” would do more signs than “this man” when He appeared. ( John 7:31) As Jesus’ public exposure increased He was noted by some as “the Prophet”, by others as “the Christ”, while still others just couldn’t see Him for Who He truly was because of their own interpretation of the Scriptures. ( John 7:40-42)

To say Jesus was merely a good man or a great teacher would be to also admit He was one of the greatest liars that ever lived because of some of the claims He made. (i.e. John 10:30) A liar is neither a good man nor a great teacher! The truth must be recognized.

When Jesus asked His disciples who people were saying He was, they responded with the more positive views. They recalled how some thought He was John the Baptist (perhaps an idea started by Herod, who when he heard of the fame of Jesus thought John, whom he had put to death, had be raised from the dead -- Matthew 14:1-2), others Elijah, some Jeremiah, and still others simply one of the prophets. ( Matthew 16:13-14) Jesus then looked to the disciples for their own PERSONAL definitive response by asking, “But who DO YOU say that I am?” ( Matthew 16:15)

Note Peter’s confident assertion!
“Simon Peter replied, ‘YOU ARE THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD.’” ( Matthew 16:16 ESV)

Peter did not see Jesus merely as the “son of man” (the expression Jesus had used earlier in vs.13), but as the “Son of the living God.” He was the Christ; the Anointed One! He was the Messiah! Though Peter was still growing in his faith and confidence, he had come to grips with this truth and was willing to own it in a PERSONAL way.

It matters not what other say. Many so called “experts” have given their views of the historical Jesus. Yes, Jesus has His place in history and that history cannot be ignored either by believer or skeptic. However, He must have His place in our PERSONAL life because it is only through Him that we have access to the Father. ( John 14:6) May our words and life reveal our PERSONAL decisive stand on the truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Have a great day LIVING ASSURED THAT CHRIST IS THE ANSWER!
Carl

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