Who Is JESUS To Us?

When Jesus came into the coasts
of Caesarea Philippi, He asked
His disciples, saying:
Whom do men say that I the
Son of Man am?
Matthew 16:13

In the above verse, Jesus asked of his disciples an interesting question. He wanted to know who common, ordinary people thought Him to be? Their response to Him was as honest as they could be. There were some who thought that Jesus was John the Baptist while some thought of Elijah. Others thought Jesus to be a prophet, perhaps Jeremiah or one of the Old Testament prophets. Jesus referred to Himself with a very familiar term that He often used for Himself...Son of Man. That was the earthly, human term He used for Himself.

The most important part of this exchange was when Jesus then asked, “But whom say ye that I am?” We don't know how everyone responded but we do know that Peter spoke up as was the usual thing for Peter to do. Very profoundly, Peter answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” One of the hardest things for the Jews at that time was accepting the fact that if Jesus was the Messiah, He wouldn't have appeared as they had always heard He would. Down through their history, the expectation of the Messiah was that when He came, He would probably come on a white horse followed by an army that would save them from all of their enemies. There was no way they could believe in the Bethlehem part of Jesus' story. There was absolutely no way, a Messiah would end up on a cross, not even defending Himself. How very wrong could especially those Jewish leaders be.

No matter where we go today, we may find ourselves surrounded by people who, in their own articulate ways want to share with us who Jesus or God is to them. In these instances, their descriptions of Jesus would be used only in vile or profane language. However, I hasten to add that although that grouping of people, mostly unsaved we think, even with their profanity still can express in their own ugly ways who they think Jesus or God to be.

I'm wondering if Jesus could speak to us in His Son of Man form and ask us who we say who He is to us personally, what would be our response beyond the usual generic names we would give. Many Christians in our day hardly give Jesus a thought in the course of their everyday living.

Lately in our ladies Bible study, I have encouraged our ladies in their Bible reading, to circle or underline all of the names for God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit along with characteristics that might be used in describing Him (them)....such as “The LORD is my SHEPHERD.” There find Lord for a name and Shepherd that can be a name or characteristic. I've always suggested as we read our Bibles to always be looking for God...to learn a new name or description. As we do this, our hearts are warmed.

When we go through some really tough times, it's good to have learned some of those terms that we can reflect back on and think deeply about, reminding us of how precious He is to us. In a tough time, I don't always feel like doing a lot of reading so anything I can remember who God is and how much Jesus has meant to me I am encouraged.

I have a little notebook that I purchased at Hobby Lobby several years. It's my God notebook. In that notebook I have listed names for God/Jesus I've come across in my Bible reading. I've listed personal characteristics and anything else I've been able to come up with. This book is handy for me to just pull out and read about those things God is in my life. It warms my heart and encourages my mind more than I can begin to say.

So, if you and I were asked by someone, “Who is Jesus to you?” Could I get much further than “Savior” or “Lord?” What other qualities or names should be familiar to me simply because of my relationship with Him and looking back on God's goodness and support in my life.

Let me try with no notes in front of me: Savior, Lord, Shepherd, way, truth, life, healer, shield, light, salvation, intercessor, hope, living water (just taught that one), Father, Bread of life, great I AM....as I look at this list, I can see where He has been these things to me more than once in my life. I could list more probably but wanted those things that have meant much to me in more recent days.

I don't want to be casual with God or His name. I grow weary hearing about the Big Daddy in the Sky, the Big Man Upstairs...the Holy Spirit really gets a raw deal on the part of many who don't even know Him at all. God's name is to be respected. There are things people wouldn't dare call Queen Elizabeth in her presence because of their respect for her position. Why would anyone dare to disrespect any name of God with Him being the very God and Creator of the Universe.

Who is God/Jesus to you and me today without having to even sit and ponder the question. That will say more about our relationship with Him than we can ever know. We shouldn't be casual with our answers. The word “Savior” is thrown around a lot but is that a name with real meaning for us? It certainly should but what does His name really mean to us.

Let's remember as we see in Philippians 2:10-11 that a day is coming ….”That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those things in heaven, and things in the earth, and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” No longer will our precious Savior's name be a curse word for all will bow the knee and their tongues will confess Jesus to be Lord. Wow...what a day that will be!

Dear Lord Jesus, I'm so grateful for You, Your friendship, provision, watch care, healing and so many other things I could list. Thank You for these things and I pray I will always be grateful and will follow You without hesitation. I love You....Amen