Who Do You Say I Am?

"Who do you say that I am?"

That was a question Jesus addressed to His disciples. But does it matter? Does it matter what you believe?

On my ring, I have three numbers engraved: 11:4. It's a reference to John chapter 11, verse 4—a promise that God gave me when I was diagnosed. "This sickness will not end in death, but it is for the glory of God." And I give Him all the glory. I'm thankful for His help. I'm thankful that God, Emmanuel, is with us.

In that chapter, Jesus speaks to the sister of Lazarus. Her name is Martha. In verse 25, He says to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even if he dies, and the one who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

This is very personal.

And Martha—she said, "Yes, Lord, I believe you are the Christ, the Son of God, who comes into the world."

That's the Christmas message. That's the Christmas story, and she believes it. A Jewish woman, schooled in her religion, believes it.

Today, people will sometimes just say, "Well, I believe in God," but they don't elaborate or explain what they mean. It could be anything. But God and who He is, is wrapped up in Christmas. Because this grown-up Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do the crowds say that I am?"

And they answered, "John the Baptist. Others say Elijah, and others say you are one of the prophets of old, risen."

Then He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

That's what Christmas is all about. It's very personal, specific, and important that you understand who Jesus is.

With Peter, Jesus said to him, "Flesh and blood hasn't revealed this to you.” It's supernatural. Yes, Christmas is supernatural! Peter said, "You are the Christ of God.”

The son of the living God: That's the incarnation.

I'll leave you with that question. It's a very important question. Hear it from Jesus, not from me:

"Who do you say that I am?"

Merry Christmas.