26/08/2026
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
BY REV. DR. ALFRED OFOSU-ASANTE WEDNESDAY, 26TH AUGUST, 2026
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*WHO IS JESUS TO YOU?*
"When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?"
(Matthew 16:13)
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At Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples two important and timeless questions: the first was "...Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" The correct answer to this question and the second one would form the foundation block of the church. Jesus wanted to know from his disciples what the crowds that followed him were saying about him.
The crowd had different views about him. The disciples answered: "Some say that thou art John the Baptist, some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets." (Matthew 16:14).
Without any comment, Jesus asked the second question: "...But whom say ye that I am?" This was a direct and personal question. Today, Jesus is asking you the same personal and direct question: "Who am I to you?" "Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16)
Jesus was pleased with this answer and said, "...Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 16:17).
The confession of Peter became the foundation upon which Jesus would build His church. "And I say also unto thee, Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18).
In the ministry of the Lord on earth, other people saw him as a great teacher who spoke with authority, unlike the way their teachers taught them. He taught with direct, self-authenticating divine authority. Others also saw him as a miracle performer and a teacher who ate with sinners. (Mark 2:12; Matthew 9:10-13).
It matters what Jesus is to you because it defines your identity with him, and determines your eternal destiny. Jesus is the Son of the living God, the long awaited Messiah and Saviour of the world. You must know him as your Saviour and Lord of your life.
We often refer to Thomas as the doubting one, but when Jesus revealed himself to him, Thomas made a very profound and a powerful declaration:
"...My Lord and my God." Who is Jesus to you? Is He your Lord and God? If He is your Saviour, then He must be your Lord also, the Master of your life. This defines your identify and personal relationship with Him.
It is interesting to note that Judas Iscariot, during his association with Jesus for three years, never once called Him Lord. In the Gospels, Judas Iscariot always addressed Jesus as "Rabbi" meaning teacher, rather than "Lord". This distinction shows that Judas viewed Jesus as a human teacher or leader, not as God or master. He lacked true spiritual surrender and inner belief, keeping personal control of his life.
In contrast with other loyal disciples like Peter frequently called Jesus "Lord," acknowledging His divine authority and saving power. Even at the last supper, when Jesus said one would betray Him, the other disciples asked, "Is it I, Lord?" Judas instead asked, "Is it I, Rabbi?" (Matthew 26:21-25).
Even when Judas betrayed and kissed Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane to identify Him to the guards, he greeted Him with "Greetings, Rabbi!" Judas walked with Jesus and saw His miracles, but he treated Him as a mentor rather than submitting and bowing to His Lordship. His life ended in tragedy and misery because he never knew the man he walked with for three years.
His choice of words revealed and reflected an unrepentant heart, revealing a gap between following a religious movement, and true personal faith. I pray that this is not your story.
Who is Jesus to you? What He is to you and what you call Him matters. They define your personal identity and relationship with Him and determine your eternal destiny. He must be your Saviour and Lord. You must submit to His Lordship without any reservation, and worship Him as your Lord and your God. Shalom.
*OUR PRAYER*
_Lord Jesus, thank You for dying in my place that I might live. Thank You for saving me from sin, giving me the hope of eternal life and destiny. You are my Lord and my God. Help me to proclaim this truth whenever and wherever I have the opportunity. Amen._