Who do you say?
Mark 8:27-30

People have opinions. Whether it’s politics, sports, or religion. And they don’t mind sharing them. Sometimes, you don’t even have to ask. They’ll just tell you.

People had opinions about Jesus. Some thought he was the reincarnation of John the Baptist or Elijah or one of the prophets. And those were the positive opinions. The Pharisees thought he was in league with the Devil.

It’s one thing to discuss popular opinion. It’s another to question personal conviction.

“But who do you say that I am?”

The disciples had walked with Jesus, talked with Jesus, heard the preaching of Jesus, and witnessed the miracles of Jesus. They knew what others thought about Jesus. But they had to say themselves who they believed Jesus to be.

And so do you. You may have been raised around Jesus. You may even now be around Jesus in church. You’ve heard his Word, maybe even read it yourself. You’ve heard him preached, taught, and seen him affect the lives of those around you. You know what others think about Jesus.

But the question is, “Who do you say Jesus is?” Being around Jesus and knowing about Jesus won’t save you. You must confess who he is and believe who he is for yourself.

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” (Romans 10:9-11)