Which Jesus

Jesus said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”  Matthew 16:15

We all have to wrestle with that question at some point. Who is Jesus? Peter’s response is recorded for us. “You are the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the Living God.”

The people of Israel were desperate for the Messiah to come and had great hopes and expectations that He would wipe out the Romans and restore their land. The Jews were looking for this Messiah to save them – with power and might - from their oppressors.

God placed two men on the scene together, both named Jesus. While they each were committed to bringing God’s kingdom, their methods stand in stark contrast for us to see. One was a zealot fighter nicknamed Barabbas. His mission was to overthrow Israel’s enemies by physical force. When he was caught, the people cried out for his release. The other was a Galilean Rabbi, the Son of God, who had all authority and power at His disposal.

Peter correctly identified Jesus, but it seems he missed His mission at first. Shortly after declaring Him Christ, the disciple rebuked his Rabbi, denying His path to the cross. It appears even those closest to Jesus were hoping for a victory born from overwhelming strength. But this Jesus had spent His entire ministry on earth revealing what He had come to do and how He would do it. This King was bringing a kingdom of shalom. It is not achieved with earthly power but in loving your neighbor. Its might is in sacrifice, laying down your life, not in dominance and control.

To recognize Jesus, the Galilean Rabbi, as Christ and to follow Him is a saving act of faith. But have I caught His true mission? It’s tempting to pursue right by might as the other Jesus (Barabbas) the zealot did. But our true Messiah has called us to grow His kingdom by bringing justice, love, healing, and sacrifice – all in His name.

Which Jesus will you follow?

Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10