Read Mark 7 – 8
And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets. And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ. Mark 8:27-29 KJV
We notice two questions that were asked by Jesus of His disciples. The first was general. What were people saying of Him? Opinions were diverse, much as they still are today. Most thought He was one of the prophets, which is the same as calling Him a great and godly man. This is still the general opinion of Him today. What people in general think of Jesus is important, but notice the second question was more personal and to the point. What did the disciples think? It is good to know what people in general think. It is more important to know what you and I think. Was He a great man, a crazy man, a demon possessed man, or someone far greater? It is imperative that you and I move beyond the opinions of people in general to a settled and personal conviction concerning Him. After thinking a moment, the apostle Peter spoke up and got it right. What do you say of Him?
Lord, like the apostle Peter, I have come to believe You are the Christ, the Son of God. I have moved beyond the diverse opinions of the crowd to a settled and personal conviction. Help me to stand up, as Peter did, and boldly proclaim it before others.
A question to ponder: Some in Jesus’ day thought He was crazy, some believe that still today, what could be shown from Scripture to prove otherwise?
