Who Am I and Who Is HE?

Who Am I and Who Is HE?

This past Sunday I was reminded, by one of our guests who recently came to know Christ, how important our identity with Christ is in our walk with Him. About two months ago, this gentleman requested a song to be sung in worship. The song he requested was “Friend of God.” To him, God’s friendship is the most important aspect of who God is. When I think about this, I am always in awe that God would choose to call me His friend.
In Matthew 16:13-20, we find Peter’s confession of Christ. The background of the passage is interesting when you think about the question Jesus asked. Jesus and the disciples were in Caesarea Philippi. Caesarea Philippi was built by Herod’s son Philip. Originally Caesarea Philippi was called Paneas in honor of the Greek god Pan. This region was especially pagan, full of many gods. With the surroundings in mind, let’s now look at the question Jesus asked His disciples. “Who do people say the Son of Man is? (Matt. 16:13b)” Surrounded by the many dead gods of the people of Caesarea Philippi, Christ asked his followers to ponder what these people were saying about Him. They gave many answers to that question. Obviously by their answers they were reflecting the overall pagan outlook of the people of Caesarea Philippi. Jesus then turns the question to His disciples. “But what about you? he asked, “Who do you say I am? (Matt. 16:15)” Peter cried out first as usual, but this time he got the answer right. “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” I find it very interesting that Peter emphasized that Jesus is the Son of the “Living God.” Here in a city filled with dead pagan gods was the One and only living God.
One of the greatest things about our God is that He never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He will not and can not die. God is always an ever present help in time of need. Jesus is always your friend when there is no one else around. Jesus is our eternal hope. Jesus is Savior. Make Jesus your Lord!

Jesus, Jesus, Lord to me.
Master, Savior, Prince of Peace!
Ruler of my heart today,
Jesus, Lord to me.

A Child of the King!
Aaron Hodges