Caesarea Phillippi

The following thoughts are on Mark 8:27-38:

In verse 34, Jesus says "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."

But even before Jesus mentions anything about discipleship, he first takes the disciples to Caesarea Phillippi and asks them this question: "Who do people say I am?"

And sure enough, the disciples threw out trite answers. Oh, you know, some say John; others say Elijah.

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"

This question pierces my heart every time Jesus asks me personally. And it's funny, because I need Jesus to ask me this question again and again, almost as if I need to hear my own answer. He asks me when I feel depressed and alone; when I feel boxed in by my limited perspective.

Jesus, you are my hope. Jesus, you are my rescuer and healer.

I think there'll come moments in each Christian's life when Jesus himself will ask this question. He doesn't care for what others have to say - he wants your answer. And it's an answer that you can't pull out of your butt.

It's interesting that Jesus asks this question to his disciples before he even talks about discipleship; i'm reminded that discipleship begins with knowing Jesus and knowing him intimately.