We see the critical question in all of life, asked today, in this text.

We see the question that shapes everything in our lives asked today.

Today, in Mark 8, we see Jesus discuss the following with His disciples.

Jesus and his disciples left Galilee and went up to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.”

By the way, the picture to the left was taken at Caesarea Philippi, close to where we think this conversation took place.

That question that matters is this, who do you say Jesus is?  Not what do others say, but what do you say?   You’ve probably heard a variety of sermons on this text, bible studies and other such things.

Because its’ a powerful, powerful text.

But, when we hear something so often, we can forget to listen sometimes.

Ah, we’ve heard this. We know what’s going to be said.

Today, listen to this story, like you’ve never heard it.

Who do you say that Jesus is?  Or, put another way, what does Jesus mean to you?

Is He our life?  Our all in all?  Our shelter from the storm?  Our salvation?  Our hope? Our rock?  Our firm foundation?  Our cornerstone?

What has He meant to your life?  Your family?  Your soul?

I wouldn’t be the man, the husband, the father, the pastor I am without Jesus.

He is my life, my strength, my shield.

I am imperfect, He is perfect.  I am weak, He is strong.

Who is He to you this morning?  Who is He in your life?  Your family’s life?

What does Jesus mean to you?

May He be our entire life today.  And in that, we’ll know the power of true life.