1 Introduction
One day Jesus and his disciples were entering Caesarea
Philippi. Jesus asks his disciples a question; “Who do people say the Son of
Man is?” They answer “Some say John the
Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
The variety and uncertainty (“some say”) may suggest that it is the disciples
themselves who are still unsure of how to answer, not so much what the people
are saying. The first question sets the scene, though, for the next, more personal
and very direct question. In fact, this is arguably the most important question
of all time.
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say
I am?”
Simon Peter jumps in with confidence;
“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living
God.”
As we read this passage we too are confronted with this same
question, and it is the topic for our discussion today. “Who do you say I am?”
