City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

¹⁸ Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” ¹⁹ And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” ²⁰ Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” –Luke 9:18-20 ESV

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s verses start with Jesus in prayer and culminate in revealing Jesus as “The Christ of God.” In between, however, we see a progression of possibilities portrayed through public perception. I think it is so fascinating that Jesus first asks the disciples, “who do the crowds say that I am?” 

In asking this, Jesus was able to make a distinction between what was perceived and what is. We see from the disciples’ response that this doesn’t always match up. The crowds thought that Jesus was a prophet like John the Baptist or Elijah. While these were great prophets who were committed to the Kingdom, they were forerunners who prepared the way for someone much greater. 

The public perception of Jesus’ identity was not quite accurate. Jesus immediately follows with a more personalized question: “But who do you say that I am?” This gets right to the heart of the matter. Public opinion is one thing, but Jesus wanted to know what the disciples thought for themselves. 

Afterall, it was the disciples who were in Jesus’ inner circle. They were the ones who traveled with Him from town to town. They were the ones who picked up the twelve baskets of leftovers that multiplied from a meager meal of five loaves and two fish. They had been with Him from the start of His ministry. 

Peter, who often acted as the representative of the group, spoke up and said: “The Christ of God.” Here, the word Christ can be translated as “Anointed One” or “Messiah.” This speaks to Jesus’ divinity. He’s not merely a great teacher or prominent prophet. He’s the Christ of God.

Peter’s revelation didn’t come from what anyone else thought or surface-level speculation. He spoke from a personal revelation of the Holy Spirit that sprang from his own walk with the Lord. This shows us that really knowing who Jesus blossoms from our daily walk with Him. 

Application

Who is Jesus to you personally? Is He someone you hear about on Sundays or do you know Him in a more meaningful, intimate way? Is He someone you rely on daily for direction? Can you honestly say that you are His disciple? 

What you think about Jesus is quite possibly the most important thing about you. Think about it and answer truthfully. If you don’t know Him as the Christ of God in your own life, consider asking Him to reveal His identity to you in that way. And remember, this revelation doesn’t come while you’re standing at a safe distance. It comes from your daily walk with Jesus. Let Him in. 

Prayer

Father God, I want to thank You for sending Jesus, the Messiah, into my life. I pray I would grow in my knowledge of Christ daily, as I follow Him for the rest of my days. In Jesus’ name, amen.