Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭15‬
The atheist doubts His existence. The skeptic doubts his deity and judges Him according to those who claim to follow him. Some see him as a man of love.

Who do YOU say he is? What will you do with Jesus? Our response determines our outlook on life. Our response determines how we respond to issues of race, gender and sexual orientation, abuse, verbal and physical attacks and a whole lot more.

When Jesus asked his followers that question there was a lot of speculation as to who this teacher was. The Greeks saw him as a Hebrew lunatic. The Jewish leaders saw him as a heretic. The people of Israel were unsure of who he was but were enamored by his signs and miracles. Yet the question remained and still does today.

Who do YOU say He is? Not who does science says He is. Not who does culture say He is. Who do YOU say he is.

The greatest danger for the unbeliever is to not see Jesus as the great Messiah promised centuries ago. The one who forgives sins, offers strength during the difficult times of life and promises eternal life with God after this life on earth is over.

For the believer though, there is a different danger, one of familiarity. There’s an old saying, ‘Familiarity breeds contempt’ and for the believer there is some truth to that. Not that we hold contempt against Jesus, but that we become so familiar with him that we fail to fully grasp who he is and what it means for us on a daily basis.

We may visit him on Sunday and sing His songs. We may even take time for daily study and offer up a few short prayers. While we celebrate his love and forgiveness, familiarity may cause us to fully grasp what it means to follow him.

There are many verses in the Bible that give us descriptors of who Jesus is. Isaiah 9:6 should be one we carry with us throughout the year.

Jesus is our Mighty God. As Mighty God, He is the supreme ruler of the universe and in ultimate control of everything your future holds.

As your Everlasting Father, He is intimately connected to you. A good father gives his children every opportunity to succeed. He’s proud of you and supports you in every stage of life. Even the best earthly father fails, or dies. Not this one. He’s the daddy you can count on. Every. Single. Day.

Jesus is your Wonderful Counselor. As your wonderful counselor he understands your deepest frustrations, fears and failures. Rather than judge, he guides.

Lastly, Jesus is your Prince of Peace. As ruler of peace He is the source of peace in the midst of your struggle. He is the peace in the face of your grief. He is the peace as you pick up the pieces of your failure.

Who is Jesus to you? Remember these four aspects of his identity as you go about your day.