I have noticed that questions are effective tools for getting some one to talk. Questions (especially open ended ones) invite people to give their opinions or share their experiences. Questions also make people think. When thinking happens amazing things are the result.
Matthew 16:13 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
Jesus sat with the disciples and asked them this question. The disciples like this question at first. They like giving the answer based upon what others have said about Jesus. They point out that the crowd is a bit confused about who Jesus is. The speculation is quite fanciful. Some say Jesus is Elijah or another famous prophet or even John the Baptist come back from the dead. However, when Jesus asks them who they say that He is, the speculation and opinions cease. Only one voice is raised in response. It is Peter’s voice. He declares that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.
As faith-filled Peter’s response is, my attention turns to the other disciples. I wonder some things about them. Why no chorus of responses like earlier? Were they nervous? Did they sit there fidgeting like a sixth grade Sunday School class that didn’t want to get the answer wrong? Were they dumbfounded that they had not stopped to consider the question themselves? Did they all nod enthusiastically with Peter’s answer hoping he was right? We don’t know. The text doesn’t say.
What the text does say is Jesus’ question and Peter’s response. When we are asked, are we ready to respond? To you, who is Jesus? Are you itching to jump up like Peter and risk to tell your answer? Are you still mulling it over? Are you a bit embarrassed because you don’t yet have a clear answer to the question? It’s time, isn’t it, for us to have our answer? It’s time for us to step out confidently in our answer.
My answer: Jesus is my Messiah (Savior). I need Him! I will follow Him!
What’s yours?
Something to think about,
Pastor John
Pastor John D Jakes 
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