The 28 Day Forgiveness Challenge — Day 2
On seven different occasions, Jesus explained “to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Matthew 16:21).
The first time occurred immediately after a break-through moment for the disciples. Through his teachings and miracles, Jesus was causing quite a stir! The “water cooler” talk had people wondering who this miracle worker was. Jesus took his disciples aside and asked them, “Who do people say that I am?”
Then he turned the question on them. “Who do you say that I am?” This is the most compelling and most important question that has ever been asked.
After Jesus asked the question, Peter was the one who stood to answer. With confidence in his voice, he declared, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This wasn’t information Peter figured out on his own. God the Father revealed the truth to him.
Jesus is both Lord and God. The Gospel hinges on this truth.
To conclude that Jesus is simply a mere man, or a great teacher, or even a prophet raises all sorts of questions about the validity of his sacrifice on the cross. How could the death of a mere man take away your sins? His identity as both Lord and God validates everything he ever said or did. When he says to you, “your sins are forgiven,” you can rest confidently that they are.
Forgiveness Challenge #2: What about you? Who do you say that Jesus is? Mark 14:61-62 is a key passage for study. “But He kept silent and did not answer. Again the high priest was questioning Him, and saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” and Jesus said, “I am…”
Awesome Bob, keep them coming, keep listening and putting it out there,
Jesus is the way, the truth and the new life in Spirit and truth for all that believe to serve Father in Spirit and truth since Father is a Spirit and can only be worshiped this way as per John 4:23-24. Thank you
Thanks for your encouragement Howard.
…I remember the first time I understood this question, as Jesus asked it!! It was like massive blow to my heart thrown by a heavyweight boxer! Then, again at our noon bible study there @ BasicGospel/Metro; in my mind there is no doubt who Jesus is! The difference is, now, I will shout it out without reservation…
Hey Bob,was Jesus fulfilling prophesy (psalm 110 and Daniel 7) when he made his statement of Mark 14:62?He apparently was not in the mood or of inclination to answer ANY of the high priest’s probing.If it was fulfillment of the law,prophets, and psalms,then does only Jesus fulfill prophesy?And by fulfilling this particular one does he therefore guarantee his own death burial and ressurection?Which brings us to the Basic Gospel”do you want his life or yours?”