Who Do You Say I Am?

Matthew 16:15 – "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" (NIV)

Throughout the Lenten season, some churches in my area present live dramatizations of Scripture, portraying the passion of Christ during Holy Week. Personally, I find these re-enactments of great inspiration in preparation for the celebration our Lord's resurrection.

A modern-day courtroom drama is the setting of one particular script, based on the biblical account, depicting a sequence of events during the trial of Jesus. This interesting performance includes characters who and dialogue which might have played a part in the outcome of Jesus' hearing, and places the congregation in the role of jury. This may be a one-time presentation for the community at large, or it can be used as a series of Bible studies during Sunday school and worship services.

The congregation, as the jury, is encouraged to ask the following thought-provoking questions:

• As Pilate, how would you judge Jesus?


• As an attorney, how would you build His case?


• As a bystander, how well do you understand the mission of Jesus?


• As a witness, who do you say He is?

The answer to the last question is the one that makes all the difference. Before His arrest, Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" and Peter (the leader of the twelve) responds, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:15b-16 NIV) This great confession is the solid foundation on which the Christian church is built.

The Bible documents the testimonies of those who encountered Christ, so we can be absolutely certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Jesus is who He claims. In John 5:39 Jesus rebukes the religious leaders: "You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me." (NIV) And in John 14:11, He said to His disciples: "Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves." (NIV)

So, with each passing generation, the question still remains. Each of us must render our own verdict. Have you searched the Scriptures with an open heart? Have you examined the evidence? Then, how say you? He asks each of us personally, "Who do you say that I am?"

Prayer: Lord, we acknowledge that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Use our testimonies for the sake of Your kingdom and for Your glory. Amen.

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