In my opinion, Jesus poses one of the most transcendental questions to his disciples as it is registered in the Sacred Scripture- Matthew 16:13-17 [NIV] “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 replied, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Jesus replied, Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” Matthew 16:13-17 (NIV).

What comes to my mind as I look over verse 15, as Jesus asked them, “Who do you say I am?”, is my first day at the Army basic training in Missouri. It was 4:30 am, and the wake-up alarm sounded, and every single soldier was in line waiting for the Drill Sargent to inspect each of us. I was the second in line, and just suddenly the drill sergeant moved in front of me, looking deeply into my eyes, and with a very strong voice, he asked me, “Boy, do you know who I am?” NO WAY that in less than 48 hrs. I was able and capable of knowing who he was, except for his last name and his role in my platoon.

NOW, the question Jesus posed, “Who do you say I am? “remains valid and relevant during this time we are living; it invites every Christian to evaluate their relationship that has been maintained as we walk with our Redeemer. The answer should be revealed considering our personal affinity in our daily relations and trust, which must be based on our faith in Jesus Christ. Is your life reflecting and modeling that Faith? Then you should feel the same joy when Jesus responded to Simon at the beginning of verse -17, “Blessed are you.”

As followers of Christ, we need to build our prayer life. Without prayer, there cannot be communication, and without communication, there cannot be a personal relationship with our Savior. Jesus Christ. He encourages us to Ask, Seek, and Knock, then we will see things happening as the word tells us in Matthew: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV).

What does Jesus mean in your life? May the Holy Spirit guide and counsel you as you continue to honor God until He returns!

José J. Acevedo – CBC Ex Board