The Importance of the Identity of Jesus

27Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”

28They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”

29“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” (Mark 8:27-29)

Thoughts: If it was not important, Jesus would not have asked.  His question went from general to specific- "who do people say" and then "who do you say."  People knew he was special.  In Luke it records that some of the apostles said that some said "one of the prophets come back to life."  Elijah was to come before the Messiah did according to tradition.  Jesus says that John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah.  But Jesus is more than just another teacher, or even a great teacher, miracle worker, with a good link to God.  He was the anointed one.  The one anointed to take away the sins of the world.  He was the one anointed to give us life.  He was the One who was God in the flesh- with the power of the Spirit on Him like no one else.  After He came, the Temple was destroyed within a generation. 
    What we believe and profess about Jesus is important.  Jesus later said that what we believed about him determines whether we will have life or not.  For example, he claimed to be the resurrection and the life.  This is a huge claim.  But what we believe about Jesus determines our hope.  

Prayer: Lord, give me grace to believe and to hope in you.