Day 7 - Good Man or Son of God?

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:13–15, NLT)

The difference between who the world says that Jesus is and who Jesus really is can be the difference between life and death.

Some in the world today will even say that Jesus was a good man and taught good things and we should follow His teachings. But that is as far as they go. They like it when He said "Love your neighbor" and "do unto others what you would have them do unto you" because it benefits them. But when they hear that Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life...no man comes to the Father except through Me"...then they start having problems.

As long as Jesus is portrayed as a friend of sinners the world likes Him and can deal with Him. But the very moment that Jesus is seen as the soon coming King that will judge all peoples and all nations the sentiment about Him quickly changes.

The truth is Jesus is merciful but He is also just and righteous. He alone is truth. And the truth separates and divides. When the truth shows up, lies are exposed. And the world who has been deceived by the father of lies does not want the truth to show up because it shines a light on the lie.

So, in Jesus question to the disciples He was causing them to think about what they believed personally about who He is. He wanted them to see the great contrast of what the world thinks and believe and what they should be thinking and believing. We should do the same.

We should realize that the world's view of Jesus as a pacifist and a push over is not the truth. That Jesus is the Son of God and has the final say and the final word in everything. And that while He was on the earth He didn't agree with people who were wrong by believing a lie. He exposed lies and liars. He was not the friend of the devil. He cast out devils.

What we believe about Jesus and say about Jesus will determine our eternal destiny. Do we believe what the world says about Him or do we believe what the Father says about Him. Do we know Him like we should?

Say this: I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. He is the truth and all that He says is true. His truth exposes every lie.

Pray this: "Heavenly Father, thank you for showing me who Jesus is. Thank you for revealing Your Son to me so that I know the truth and am set free from all lies. Today I choose to confess Jesus as my Lord and my Savior. I follow Him."