Luke 9:18-20
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Take a moment to think back over the examples of Jesus’ authority that we have seen so far in Luke’s Gospel. Then read today’s passage, Luke 9:18-20.
The questions Jesus asks in this passage come after a time of solitude and prayer, and it’s obvious that he is not asking questions because he doesn’t know the answers. Jesus’ questions are for the benefit of his disciples and through these questions he is helping them make sense of all they have experienced while following him.
For today’s meditation, imagine that you are with Jesus in his physical presence. Hear him ask you these questions. Don’t limit your answers to what we have seen in Luke’s Gospel. Answer based on your own knowledge of culture and your own experience of Jesus.
Listen as Jesus asks you the first question:
Who do people say that I am?
Share your thoughts openly with Jesus. You may want to write down some thoughts as well.
When you are ready, get quiet for a moment and let your thoughts settle. Then listen as Jesus asks you the second question:
But who do you say I am?
Again, share your thoughts freely with Jesus pausing often to let him speak to you.
Peter’s declaration of Jesus’ identity came in a burst of recognition and emotion, and he wouldn’t comprehend the full meaning of what he was saying until much later. But his response remains absolutely true.
Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, the singular King not only of Israel but of all humanity. He is Lord and he is life. Apart from him our lives are meaningless at best. But in him dwells the fullness of God and all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
What have you heard from Jesus today?
How will you respond?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
