“He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”” Matthew 16:15-16

If I had known what my initial “yes” to Jesus would cost me or will cost me, I wonder how much more weight it would’ve held.

When I think of the tough times behind closed doors, the misunderstandings because of my faith, the harsh words from close friends, the disappointment
of others in the body of Christ, and the lack of understanding the “why” behind God’s ways, I wonder if I would’ve said yes. When I consider the health struggles and aspects of difficulties few know about and I know my “yes” is as resolved as ever, it’s a mystery even to me.

I can find myself in similar shoes to Peter. I know what zealous and sincere love for Jesus looks and feels like. I also know what deeper and more intimate love forged through trials looks like. I know Peter’s reply here warranted a joyous response from The Lord, yet only a few verses later he is rebuked for more remarks. That must have been a whirlwind for Peter.

“Who do you say that I am?”. I’m sure these words rang deeply in Peter’s heart. He contemplated his reply and his first response utilized who other men said He was. Jesus asked again as another man’s revelation of who they suppose Him to be will never work a a substitute for who we know Him to be. This time Peter responded from his own revelation and said that Jesus Christ was the son of God.

Who do I say that Jesus is? Have I gained a clearer perspective of who He is in my life. In my sorrow, do I know that He is joy? In my pain, do I know He is healing? Does my trust run deep in trials as it does in victories?

I’ve come to learn that no matter the season, the good times and the difficult times have the potential for me to know more of Him. I look at Peter’s highs and lows and even though he denied Jesus at his death, this uneducated fisherman became a man of fire when marked by the Holy Spirit. The joy of walking with Jesus on this earth and the persecution Peter later faced because he defended Jesus produced such deep personal revelation that caused Him to say yes initially and continue to say yes until he ultimately give his life.

Who do you say that Jesus is? Do you say what other men say in that He is only a good man, a teacher, or a prophet? Or do you personally have the revelation that He is the Christ, the way the truth and the life, the Son of God?

You must know who you say that He is, for another man’s revelation will never carry a commitment to say yes to Him again and again.