My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As I sit to write this letter, I find myself transported back to a defining moment beside the sea, under a sky so vast that it seemed almost a reflection of the endless possibilities before us. It was then that Jesus posed a question that has echoed through the ages, a question that each of us must answer not just with our lips but with the very essence of our lives: “Who do you say I am?”
You might recall how Peter, with a conviction that came not from flesh and blood but from our Father in heaven, declared that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. This confession, profound in its simplicity, encapsulates the truth of the Gospel we are called to live and proclaim. It is upon this rock that our Lord said He would build His church, and the gates of Hades shall not overcome it.
In the years following that momentous day, we have all wrestled with the implications of Peter’s answer. To proclaim Jesus as Christ is to acknowledge Him as the anointed one, sent to redeem us from our sins and to restore our broken relationship with God. It is to accept Him as Lord over every aspect of our lives, surrendering to His loving authority and aligning our daily walk with His teachings and example.
Reflect, dear friends, on the magnitude of Jesus' teachings and the myriad ways He demonstrated the Kingdom of God among us. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and offered forgiveness to the repentant. He spoke truth to power and extended grace to the marginalized. In every action, Jesus embodied the love of God, and through His death and resurrection, He provided the path for our salvation.
As His disciples, we are called to not only believe in Him but to follow Him. This means taking up our crosses daily, loving God wholeheartedly, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. It means speaking truth in love, seeking justice, and walking humbly with our God. It involves a commitment to grow in faith and to bear fruit that glorifies God, demonstrating to the world the transformative power of His love.
Yet, as we endeavor to follow Christ, let us be vigilant against the many distractions and deceptions that threaten to divert us from our purpose. The world offers many answers to the question of Jesus’ identity, reducing Him to a mere historical figure or a mythical symbol. Others might acknowledge His moral teachings while denying His divinity and His resurrection.
Let us hold fast to the truth we have received, guarding the good deposit that was entrusted to us by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Let us encourage one another in faith, build each other up in love, and unite in the mission to make disciples of all nations.
In moments of doubt or discouragement, remember the promises of Scripture, which assure us that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Cling to the hope of His return, when we shall see Him face to face and know fully even as we are fully known.
May we live as people of hope, whose lives bear witness to the grace and truth of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. And as you reflect upon Jesus’ question—“Who do you say I am?”—may your answer resonate in every aspect of your life, a steadfast testimony to the hope that is within you.
In closing, my prayer for each of you is that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. May you abound in love, grow in wisdom, and rejoice in the hope of our Lord’s glorious return.
With all affection and prayerful blessings,
[A Disciple of Jesus Christ]
The Echo of a Profound Question - Part One