A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

 WHO DO YOU SAY JESUS IS?     

Matthew 16:13-16 “ When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 

Not everyone at the time Jesus was on earth knew exactly who He was. Some thought He was “John the Baptist, others Elijah and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” It is obvious those mentioned in today’s devotional verse believed Jesus was a spiritual man. To identify Him as John the Baptist, Elijah or Jeremiah come back to earth in the flesh meant they thought highly of Him.   

Jesus kept pushing His disciples for an answer to His question. He wanted to know who they thought Jesus was. Finally, Peter, answering not only for himself, but also for all of the disciples, said Jesus was the Messiah.   

This most critical question of Jesus is also addressed to you. Who do you say Jesus is? St. Paul’s words in Romans 10 say to you, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-13) 

Prayer: You, Lord Jesus, are my Savior and Lord. To You be the honor and the glory forever and ever. Amen. 

Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus, Can my heartfelt longing still,  
Lo, I pledge myself to Jesus What He wills alone to will.  
For my heart, which He hath filled, Ever cries, Lord, as Thou wilt. 

One there is for whom I’m living, Whom I love most tenderly;  
Unto Jesus I am giving What in love He gave to me.  
Jesus’ blood hides all my guilt; Lord, oh, lead me as Thou wilt. 

What to me may seem a treasure But displeasing is to Thee,  
Oh, remove such harmful pleasure; Give instead what profits me.  
Let my heart by Thee be stilled; Make me Thine, Lord, as Thou wilt. 

Let me earnestly endeavor Thy good pleasure to fulfil;  
In me, through me, with me, ever,  Lord, accomplish Thou Thy will.  
In Thy holy image built, Let me die, Lod, as Thou wilt. 

Jesus, constant be my praises, For Thou unto me didst bring  
Thine own self and all Thy graces That I joyfully may sing;  
Be it unto me, my shield, As Thou wilt, Lord, as Thou wilt.  

Jesus, Jesus, Only Jesus // TLH 348