In Mark 8:27- 29, we find Jesus questioning His disciples:  

On the way, He asked His disciples,

“Who do people say I am?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist,

some say Elijah

and others say You’re one of the prophets.

Then Jesus turned to them and asked them,

“But what about you? Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”

During the Christmas season it was pretty easy for those of us who follow Christ to answer Jesus’ question. As we celebrated His birth, it was easy to say that Jesus is the Son of God, Savior of the world.

But what about on other days when you don’t have a holiday to remind you, who do you say that Jesus is then?

As special needs parents, we have plenty of circumstances that might cause us to question who Jesus is to us. Although we know from Scripture that He is “the same yesterday, today, and forever;” our circumstances, if we let them, can steal our focus and make us think that somehow–in our current hardship–He has changed. We can end up doubting His goodness and faithfulness and begin pulling away from Him–sometimes without even realizing it.

In Matthew 16:13-15, we find this same scene of Jesus questioning His disciples. But in Matthew’s account of the story, Jesus responds to Peter, calling him “blessed” because His “Father in Heaven” had revealed the truth of Jesus’ identity to Peter.

And our Father in Heaven has revealed this same truth to us in His Word. When our circumstances ask us, “Who do you say Jesus is now?,” His Word helps us to know and say what’s true.

I took the opportunity recently, after my son experienced an unexpected health crisis, to consider who Jesus had been to me and my family during this challenge. If He were to ask me, ”Who do you say that I am?,” how would I respond?

Looking back, I’d say He was:

• A Safe Harbor and Comforter: As I struggled with fear and confusion over my son’s declining health, the Lord invited me to share my honest concerns with Him–with the safety of no condemnation. He heard my heart and offered the promise of His comfort.
• A Warrior: As I prayed about my son’s health, the Lord assured me that He would fight for him. (Exodus 14:14)
• An Ever-Present Protector: I asked the Lord to protect my son from fear as he underwent major surgery. The Lord responded that He had gone before Myles and would never leave him. Therefore, he need not fear. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
• Healer: The Lord provided a new kidney for Myles.
• The Way: He provided a way forward that exceeded our expectations.
• Awesome: Throughout our journey, the Lord demonstrated His great love, His power, and that His plans are for our good.

That would be my answer.

What about you? If the Lord wants to know who you say Jesus is, how would you respond?

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