The Christ

This post will be updated on Sunday evening 9-18-11

Make Your Proclamation

In the sixteenth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew Jesus asks a simple question which carries an extremely difficult answer. The reason why is because the answer isn't necessarily revealed in what we say but more so in how we live. In verses 13-18 Jesus poses a question about who the people in the culture around say that he is and then getting directly to the point he asked, "Who do you say that I am?" to his disciples.

We'll focus on Peter's answer later on but for now I just want to stay with the question. Jesus was very familiar what the people around him were saying about him. He had heard their talk, their theories and their failure to acknowledge him as the Son of God. He also knew their hearts and their need to something greater than tradition and ritual. That's why multitudes of people flocked to him to listen to him speak. That's why people stood in amazement when he taught. That's why they came to him for miracles. They didn't necessarily want to credit him as being the Messiah but they sure appreciated what he brought to the table.

Jesus wasn't really concerned with who the "other" people said that he was. He wanted to know what the men with whom he had trusted to change the world were saying that he was. Their answer would be much more than today's traditional lip service. It would be their "proclamation" as to how they would live their lives. Their belief that Jesus was, in fact, "the Christ, the Son of the Living God" would change them forever. It would ultimately turn them from cowards to men of boldness that would be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in professing Jesus as Lord. They staked their lives, relationships and reputations on this proclamation.

What about you? Who do you say that Jesus is? Before you answer keep in mind that the real answer is found not in what you say but how you live. Understanding that, how about we make our Proclamation today to truly live for Jesus no matter what the cost.