Day 2 of Knowing Him: An Easter Devotional (view all days)
“‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Christ of God.’ Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. And he said, ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life‘” (Luke 9:20-22).
It must have been a moment of extreme wonder and extreme bewilderment. Jesus had taken his disciples to a remote spot far to the north of Galilee, out into Gentile territory, and there he asked them if they understood who he was. Peter got it. Perhaps he was the first, or perhaps he was the only one to see it–their rabbi whom they had left their homes to follow was actually the Messiah of God, the one wrapped in prophecy and mystery. “You are the Christ,” (anointed one, Messiah) Peter said.
But then, just as quickly, Jesus told them that he would be killed. It would happen not at the hand of someone deranged, and not by the Romans, but by the spiritual leaders of the land. They would reject him, and they would kill him. This did not add up. Messiah was to be the great ruler, the ultimate king, the deliverer. He was supposed to be victor, not victim.
Peter and the rest could not at this time see the plan of God for the ages. They had no inside information on what had been arranged between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They could not see millions of people in the twenty-first century bowing before the Lord Christ, thanking him for making them clean.
Ponder This: What do you think your reaction would have been if you had been one of Jesus’ followers and had heard these words?
[This daily devotional will appear through Easter. You may receive via email.]
Many people do not know the lord that they are serving. We have to know who He is so that we must know how to react towards him.
Pastor Anna. South Africa
We do have to know Who Jesus is!!! What we do not need, what we cannot do is to employ a “group think mentality” If we do, then we’ll never know Him or who He is! May i submit that that is exactly what was going on in John 11! Neither Mary nor Martha, none of the disciples had even begun to scratch the surface of who Jesus “IS”! Jesus offers several opportunities in verses: v 11,23 &25 for the disciples to stop and think for a minute Who they were talking too!! Jesus is always part of the present so it seems to me that it is not appropriate to say “who Jesus “WAS”!
Each generation, has to figure out Who He is! And it has to line up with Scripture!!! Pastor Anna that is probably the single most important question for each generation of the church! It is certainly one of the biggest question/issues the Church has yet to deal with in our generation!
I will feel disappointed and my dreams broken because i must have left everything to follow Him in the hope that my circumstances will change. If He is to be a ruler, that means i will move in high circles in society. Now He is talking of dying when i have not accomplished my dreams! But if i had understood God’s plan through him as it will take only the supernatural to do the things He did, or to be versed in every topic the way He taught, i would have known the time had come for this plan to be fulfilled.
I pray that my mind would be open and The Holy Spirit would nudge me to know the truth. What blessed people were in His presence at that time.
I would probably miss it just like the rest of his followers. All of us miss the presence of God too many times when he shows up in our lives
I would not have belived it and I would have tried to change things. What must be, must be is a very difficult thing to accept.
I FULLY believe that JESUS is the Messiah who is coming one day for HIS BRIDE which we are.
I do not know the hour or day but I believe it is soon because of World conditions. I believe the
SIGNS of HIS return are being fulled in our day. Regarless, I am prepared whether it is tomarrow
or century from now.
I have moments of struggling with the idea of a savior but in the end I know the One who is the Alpha and Omega. The one and only Lord of my life. The one who receives me with opens arms.
I would like to think that I would have believed Jesus was the Messiah immediately. Being in His presence would have given me renewed energy however would I have understood who/where it was coming from? I’m afraid that I, like Peter, would have denied Jesus on many occasions, such as I still do, in many seemingly unimportant ways. But for Jesus, they are all important and for that I am truly remorseful.
I think the whole time the disciples spent with the Master during His ministry would have been full of moments of extreme wonder and extreme bewilderment.
Just being there and being a part of the miracles that Jesus performed; yes, I said being a part as in being involved! Can you imagine what it must have been like when the disciples wanted to send people to nearby villages to get food (and we are talking 5000+ people) and the Lord says “You feed them” What did Jesus say? He said “You feed them!” Wow, the whole journey with Jesus would have been mind-blowing!
I praise His Holy name and thank Him for all he does for myself and other believers. Thank you Lord Jesus
Nice insight
If I had been one of His disciple and heard those words from the mouth of my Redeemer, I would have been discouraged, confused, astonished, anguished, hopeless, thinking that forsaking everything for the sake of the call wouldn’t have been worth while. God forbid!!!
An honest answer, Mike!
Praise Jesus, that He did die for us. But, if I was a disciple and followed Jesus with all my heart when He told me these things, I think I would have not understood either, and I would have felt anxious and very emotional. I would think, I am never going to see my Lord again on this earth. But, what a plan He had for us, then He would give me a peace beyond all understanding on that day, That He will always be with me one way or another. Amen!! Thank you Jesus.
I don’t think I would have had to here that he was the son of man. I think I wouldhave known. We as christans know that he is the sun of God. We know that my fath if we had physically walked with him that would be unbelivable good.
I believe my response would have been similar to Peter’s. How could I imagine, in my wildest dreams, being so frightened by the circumstances to come, that I would deny knowing the person I loved and was devoted to. I left everything to go with him and now I was going to desert him. No way!
But Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves.
I think I would’ve wondered how Jesus could be the Savior and yet die on the Cross. I hope I would have had enough faith to trust Him though
I think I’d be just as confused as they were. It’s though comforting to know that Jesus is the Christ, the Saving One.
I would’ve been sad,but at the same time overwelmed that He would die for me.
I would have have been both confused,and sad to hear Jesus say that He would be killed. Imagine waiting on, anticipating even, the Messiah, only to hear Him say that He was going to die. “Why, How, But you’re the one we’ve been waiting on to free us from oppression Jesus”. I think I would have felt very disappointed and let down.
I would have been in awe to be called to walk with Jesus. I would have been so sad when He told me that He was going to die by the hands of the Spiritual Leaders of the land. I could not comprehend as He was the the Son of God and He could not die, but he was killed and was raised on the third day. If I was walking with Jesus at that time, I would have had no knowledge that it was God’s plan to save the people of the 21st Century, but Jesus did die for us, to wash us clean and give us eternal life in Heaven. PRAISE YOU JESUS
Very likely, I would react in the same way as Peter. It is because they did not understand exactly what the Messiah would be willing to do – to die for our sins in order that redemption can be ours. There is only true deliverance with this, not material nor political, but a spiritual deliverance from the power of sin.
My first impulse would be to hide Him and not let it happen. After realizing it was true a deep sadness and fear would envelop me. Unbelief.
I would be very sad because I had witnessed Jesus’ miracles and cure and the peace he offers. He walked in love and the thouhjt of him dying would make me very sad indeed.
I’d like to think I would react the wayd Peter did and that is because we have 20/20 hindsight. We know that Peter was correct. Back then, they did not have that benefit. So unless we were annointed with the same understanding that Peter got from above, I guess any of us, but speaking for myself, I think I would have said the same thing the rest of the deciples said.
I would like to belive that based on the information that I have now, and I became a beliver. I believe because of election, if I were living at that time, I would have understood. I’m not saying it would have been essy. But, I belive the Holy Spirit would have eventually given me revelation. Of course I am Monday morning quarterbacking. :))
Thanks, James. Love your full name, by the way. I would take you seriously any day!
Disbelief and wonder! I would have been frightened to think that people who were “rulers” would be responsible for the death of such a person. Knowing what my life has shown me I would think sometimes those in higher places so disagree with those beneath them they do work hard to rid themselves of any threat. I believe I would know that Jesus was a threat to the rulers. And, not knowing all about Jesus that now know I could certainly see that He was of a different mind and most certainly had a better way of thinking and living life with and for others.
I imagine that it was such a wonderful time to be in Jesus’ company. To walk with Him and talk with Him must have been absolutely wonderful.
To hear Him clearly admit that He in fact was the Light of the World, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world must have been a moment of pure awe. Like “Oh my gosh, the One we’ve only heard about, You are He!” Must of been so glorious.
Then to hear that our Savior was to be tormented and killed at the hands of the shepherds, must have knocked the air right out of them. How do you recover from that? When the Hope you found will soon be gone?
But to be there on the road to Emmaus to see Him again in the flesh raised to life as the victor over death!
Even though Peter received revelation from God about who Jesus was he did not understand the entirety of what that meant at that time. It is not until later on in life that Peter the Apostle had full knowledge and understanding of the Lordship of Christ. I would have definitely reacted the same way all of the disciples did when I heard what Jesus asked and would have given the same answers they gave, given my limited knowledge of who Christ was. Revelation increases as we grow in our relationship with Jesus and just like Peter, if we continue in the faith, we will understand our Master in ways we could not ever have imagined possible.
Disbelief, devastation, great sorrow, confusion, depression…”so what was the point of me leaving all to follow you?” …a sense of betrayal would permeate my understanding of who my Saviour led me to think He was…indeed who He led me to believe I was to Him….
Well, had I been one of Jesus’ followers at that time, perhaps I would have been as confused as they were. Here we have a Christ whom we all are convinced that he is the Deliverer, the Saviour and yet he’s saying to us that he’ll be killed by Chief Priests and Scribes. Such an expression will confuse many a people, even in today’s world. More so then, because they were all expecting an earthly king who is coming to deliver them and to free them from the hand of the Romans Rulers.
I believe that one has to first understand the who is God and What is God, before they can appreciate, love and worship him.
I probably would have reacted similar to the rest of the eleven, in disbelieve and hurt over the King not really become the King as we humans know kings. Of course, knowing Him as we do today we would have rejoiced in the knowledge that our past sins would be forgiven.
I think I would have been confused and frightened.
Barring any intervention from the Holy Spirit, I am embarrassed to say I most likely would have been totally confused and disillusioned and then I most likely would have felt sorry for him and tried to check him into a mental hospital. After checking him in, I would have sat on the curb kicking myself, asking how I could have been so foolish to believe he was the messiah.
Given all the miracles that Jesus preformed, how could a person doubt that He was the Christ. No one else could have done so. I would have been with Peter.
I think even the less than perfect reaction of the disciples is meant to teach us what can happen to a believer as s/he follows Christ.
Like the above responders, I fear my reaction would be imperfect too, but I also remember that Christ called these men and that God knew them by name before they were born.
I take heart in knowing that the eleven + Paul all came full circle. They went on to preach Christ’s message as Jesus asked. They were persecuted and suffered for their belief, but they kept the faith.
Imagine, there was no means of mass communication, and still the message of the Good News was passed from one to another and then another and still another…. It went according to God’s plan.
We are imperfect, but God still loves us. I cling to that as I make it through my days, growing in the faith.
(Thank you, Mel Lawrenz, for using your time to help fellow Christians grow in their faith. 🙂
Like peter it would have been confussing. But now i know who Jesus is i will never let him go he is my best friend. Praise God.
Actually it was not the Jewish authorities who killed Jesus. This is theologically and intellectually incorrect. Crucifixion was the Roman Empire’s method of extermination. It was the Empire who crucified Jesus, although the Jewish authorities were responsible for inciting this injustice.
Pilate, the Roman Representative found no fault with Jesus to justify death. For fear of the Jews and for his position (he did not want to be reported to Roman) he allowed Jesus to be crucified.
The disciples, after seeing all the miracles, with knowing how much power from heaven He had, must have thought, how could He suffer and then be put to death??!!
it was all in God”s plan for the followers of Jesus at that time to do what they were destined to do.
For us today to promote our EGO and say that we would make a better choice would be an eternal act of stupidity.
nuff said for now
I think I would have been in denial. No way I would think, could this possibly happen. If He’s the Savior then why would this happen? He should reign now, not be killed by the religious leaders. But thanks be to God, I’m alive now, in this age, with this revelation. We need to be on our guard that we be not deceived and when and if tough times come, to stay strong in our faith.
I would have confusing perplexing thoughts warring against each other in my mind: “Was he really what he claimed to be? Had I followed him only to find out I had been duped? Or was there something to the Suffering Servant passages of Isaiah? Could they too be speaking of Messiah? Yet how could Messiah be both crucified and king? How could he be so severely humiliated yet be exalted (as David and the prophets had said) to an everlasting reign as Israel’s and the world’s eternal King? Were there two Messiahs?
Ponder This: What do you think your reaction would have been if you had been one of Jesus’ followers and had heard these words?
I’d probbly be just as confused. They didn’t have the Bible to account for all that had been done, but only stories passed down. Their recollection of who the King would be was not to die but live…I probably would gave struggled, but still believed.
Ponder This: What do you think your reaction would have been if you had been one of Jesus’ followers and had heard these words?
I’d probably be just as confused. They didn’t have the Bible to account for all that had been done, but only stories passed down. Their recollection of who the King would be was not to die but live…I probably would gave struggled, but still believed.
If I were there when Lord Jesus said that – I think I would be feeling sad, hurt, loss not understanding why this would happen to Jesus who could do everything to stop it.
Even though my name is Thomas, I would hope that I would not doubt what Jesus had said.
Though, I probably, would had a hard time comprehending his death, since he was the Messiah…
Really I do not know what I would feel or think, all I know is I cry daily that Jesus was tortured and pierced for my terrible sins in this life. I don’t feel I am worth it.
I believe that if I were a descipile of Christ I would think that my faith and belief in Jesus I would have trusted him at his word, but would wonder when this would take place since he was my savior and king. Learn and intake as much as I can from him while the opportunity was there
Knowing Jesus as I know him now I would have believed him and just thought that he knew best and if he said it…..it’s going to happen. So I suppose it would just depend on where I was in my walk with Him. It’s hard to fathom some of the mysteries of God and the bible. It helps me to remember that God created us. We only know “what we know.” There are situations and circumstances that we are unable to understand. Our being, our minds are just a spec of what has been created. I found that this is very important to understand when I am learning to be humble and trust Jesus.
A good question…I have thought about this… The news of the day was very distorted, as it is today. Many were skeptical and very critical of what Jesus said and did. It is by faith that I believe today and it would have been by faith that I believed than. I thank God for choosing me. He did love me before I loved or knew Him. I think He would have done this in times of old as He does today. I want and do believe that I would have fallen at Jesus feet and praised Him. He is God! I love Him more today than yesterday and pray that my relationship will grow on into infinity.
Praise Him ~ yesterday ~ today ~ and tomorrow!
I would believe as peter did that JESUS was the Messiah.
I think it would have been very hard for his followers to understand unless they had really studied the scriptures. Also, everyone expected the Messiah to come with a sword and slay their enemies. Jesus came softly and looked like everyone else. There was nothing to establish him as anything different except when he spoke with authority!
I would have said Lord aren’t these people supposed to know the law, how can they kill you and don’t the commandments say not to kill. Why lord would they do this to you? and why can’t you stop them at once. But the lord had that perfect plan to save us all from our sins, thank you lord.
I would hope to do God’s Will and not my will
Probably I would have felt betrayed. The one I belive he is going to rescue us, says is gonna die!!! Doesn’t make any sense.
Thanks God I wasnt born in Jesus time, now I can see the whole picture of his death on the cross and sure it makes sense. His mercy and his justice are beyond our understanding.
I am so amaze and I feel so loved by God.
Why? It would break my heart to know who he was and to find out my own people were going to kill him.
At first, I believe my reaction would have been the same: “Oh No! Not you. This could never happen.” But then, as I try my best to put myself there at that time, having just realized that He was God in Person, and after some careful contemplation, my mind would twist up. No mistake. I just cannot fathom wrapping my mind around, grasping the idea that He would be put to rejected, despised, hated and even put to death. Bewilderment!
I would probably not understood what Jesus was telling us. He was to be the Ruler and Messiah and not be killed. But how glorious it would have been when I understood what He was saying. I would forever praise Him and share His story with everyone.
I probably would have thought and said the same thing the disciples said. I would be flabbergasted at my expectations of the Messiah not being fulfilled.