February 4

Who Does He Say You Are?

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it (Matthew 16:18).

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Song: “All He Says I Am”

A young man from Cleveland showed his mother a photo of himself standing with someone, slightly shorter than him, clad in Cavaliers’ gear not yet available for the public. Mom kept talking about “the kid” in the photo and where did he get that team clothing. The son pointed out that his companion was not a kid, but Isaiah Thomas, NBA All-Star and point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mom knew the team but missed “the kid’s” identity.

When Jesus asked the disciples to identify Him, Peter responded accurately. Jesus then gave Peter’s identity, defined by the leadership role he would take for the church. However, before that identity would be fully attained Peter would fall asleep instead of remaining alert and praying, try to defend Jesus by attacking a soldier, and then outright deny he knew Jesus. But none of these choices changed what Jesus truly saw in Peter and knew about him. And, Peter went on to become exactly what Jesus said.

When we look at Jesus and tell Him that He is our Lord and Savior, He tells us who we are—His child. Find peace in the fact that Jesus knows not just who you are right now, but what you can become for Him.

Lord, please help me see what You want me to become. In Your name, amen.

February 4–10. Curtis James is a minister, husband, and father of two boys in Texas.