Daily devotion – Who do you say Jesus is?
Jesus took His disciples to the northernmost border of Israel, Caesarea Philippi. You can see modern-day Lebanon just a few miles away from here.
In its heyday, Caesarea Philippi was a well-known religious centre. Herod the Great even built a lavish temple here and dedicated it to Emperor Augustus. This location is also known as Paneas, as the god pan was worshipped here.
Jesus asked His disciples that famous question, Mark 8: “Who do men say that I am?” 28 So they answered, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.” 30 Then He strictly warned them that they should tell no one about Him.
From here in Caesarea Philippi, Jesus would leave for Jerusalem, where He would be crucified.
As they set out from this most northern location for a 230km journey to Jerusalem, Jesus knew He was heading to Calvary. However, the disciples still were not cognisant of all that had just happened at Caesarea Philippi and the importance of Jesus’ question.
As we head into Easter proper this week, we must ask ourselves this same question. Who do we say that Jesus is?
Our answer will be seen in how each of us live before Him today.
But our opinion is not the deciding factor – for the truth is that Jesus is indeed the Christ!