"Who Do You Say That I Am?" — A Call to Personal Faith
Reflection on Luke 9:18-22
Gospel Passage: Luke 9:18-22
"Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, 'Who do the crowds say that I am?' They said in reply, 'John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, one of the ancient prophets has arisen.' Then he said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Peter said in reply, 'The Christ of God.' He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone. He said, 'The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.'"
In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks a question that echoes through every generation: "Who do you say that I am?" It’s a question that goes beyond curiosity. It demands a personal answer—one that reflects not just what we know about Jesus, but who He is to us in our lives.
Jesus begins with a general question: "Who do the crowds say that I am?" The disciples offer different responses—some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah or one of the prophets. These are understandable answers. The people saw Jesus as someone important, perhaps even a prophet like those of old. But Jesus isn’t looking for public opinion. He wants to know what His own followers believe.
So He turns the question inward: "But who do you say that I am?"
Peter, always bold, answers: "The Christ of God." In other words, You are the Messiah, the one sent by God, the Savior.
That response is profound. Peter doesn't just see a good teacher or a miracle worker. He recognizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of all God’s promises.
But what’s interesting is what comes next.
Jesus immediately tells them not to tell anyone—and then speaks of suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection. Why? Because the kind of Messiah Jesus is, is not the kind people were expecting. They imagined a political leader, a warrior, someone who would restore Israel to greatness. But Jesus is the suffering Messiah, the one who redeems not by force, but by love—love poured out in sacrifice.
Peter’s confession is true, but it’s incomplete without the cross.
And so, for us today, the question remains: Who do you say that I am?
It’s not enough to repeat what we’ve heard from others. Jesus is inviting us into a personal relationship, one that involves knowing Him, following Him, and ultimately, carrying our own crosses after Him.
Faith is not merely intellectual agreement. It is trust, it is surrender, and it is love. When we say, “You are the Christ,” we’re saying: You are my Savior, my Lord, my hope, and my life. We’re saying that we believe in Him even when it means walking through suffering, confusion, or rejection—just as He did.
This Gospel challenges us to examine our hearts. Is Jesus just someone we know about, or someone we know personally? Is He the center of our lives, or just a part?
Key Takeaway:
Jesus doesn’t just ask the disciples—He asks each of us: “Who do you say that I am?” May our lives echo Peter’s answer—not just with words, but with the witness of our faith, our love, and our daily trust in the One who suffered, died, and rose again for us.
Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Help us to know You more deeply, to follow You more faithfully,
and to love You more fully each day.
Give us the grace to carry our crosses, trusting in Your power to bring life from suffering.
May our lives proclaim who You are—not just in words, but in how we live.
Amen.
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