by Henry Knapp
We are in a heightened time right now of “identity theft.” I hope you have not been a victim of it, since the ramifications can be crushing. To tackle the issues, online and in person, we often have to prove “who you really are.” Could you imagine, in the midst of all the hype, Taylor Swift having to “show her ID” if she is pulled over or going through security at the airport? Could you imagine Donald Trump or Joe Biden right now having to “prove it”—that they are who they say they are?(no sarcasm intended!). In this week’s passage in Mark 8:27-30, Jesus is asking all about identity, this fundamentally essential question, to His disciples as they “go along” in the Philippi region.
Jesus asks them “Who do people say that I am?” Note that. He doesn’t start with their personal convictions and beliefs; He begins with public opinion. The older I get, I realize how everyone thinks they are an expert on everyone and everything. It’s hard to say “I don’t know.” It’s difficult for me, with my interest and drive toward understanding, to not be super-opinionated and definitive about everything. When we ask people today who they think Jesus is, I find that they think it necessary to be validated and affirmed for whatever answer they give. It doesn’t matter if they don’t know things or haven’t learned things or haven’t experienced things—they just “know.” It doesn’t matter if they’ve read the Bible or not. Understand Christianity and doctrine or not. They just “know” in their hearts if this Jesus is the real deal or not. It doesn’t matter if it’s true, what counts is what is felt. It’s a passion and commitment for them to follow their heart and not their reason. The center point for understanding, insight, wisdom and reason in this present age is self. Self-assurance, self-occupation and self-worship is the #1 growing religion today across the globe. It doesn’t matter who Jesus is. It’s who I AM. (Yikes – that makes me shudder.)
In a 1950 essay, “What Are We to Make of Jesus?” C.S. Lewis works through some of Jesus’ startling claims about Himself in Scripture, repeating His insistence that you can’t conclude that He was simply a “great moral teacher.” He was either liar, lunatic or Lord. Lewis says that Jesus produced mainly three effects — Hatred — Terror — Adoration. There was no trace of people expressing mild approval. I agree. The same is true of today. Apathy breeds hatred, remember? Jesus is only one of these things—Liar, Lunatic or Lord. We must be sure of Jesus’ identity.
The big question for this week’s sermon prep is; Who do YOU say that He is? Not what your spouse thinks. Not your friends. Not the media. Not your pastor. Not even your church. Who do you say that He is? In your heart of hearts—Do you know how to answer that question? What is it based upon? He wants to have a living and active relationship with you where you know Him for who He truly is. Christianity begins with a conviction which leads to a confession which results in a radical commitment. He is Lord! And the call to know Christ (as you look toward the end of the Mark 8 passage) is for you to follow Him wholeheartedly as Lord. Will you live to die? Giving yourself up for Him out of the conviction of your belief—that HE IS the Messiah? The Christ. The Son of God. Who do you say that He is? I pray we will live accordingly…
In preparation for worship this week, read Mark 8:27-33.
- Speculate on why Jesus asked His disciples about other’s opinions of Him? One guesses He wasn’t affected by popular opinion? Or, was He?
- What would it have been like, for a normal Jewish man, to be associated with John the Baptist, Elijah or a prophet? What are people saying about Jesus when they reference these people?
- Think hard. What question in life is more important than this one, spoken by Jesus, “who do you say that I am?” Why is this more important than questions about job, marriage, children, even church attendance?
- What is the connection between Peter’s answer and Jesus’ words in verse 31? Why does Jesus begin to tell them about His upcoming suffering?
- Verse 33. Interesting observation: Jesus rebukes Peter after turning and seeing the disciples. Why is that? Seems really odd, no?