“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still other, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”” Matthew 16:13-18 NIV

The Sea of Galilee, where Peter was a fisherman, on a foggy morning.   

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still other, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”” Matthew 16:13-18 NIV

One of the biggest questions in your life is the same one that Jesus asked his disciples. Who do you say that Jesus is? Most of the people in Jesus’ day didn’t know who he really was. They thought he was a prophet or a teacher or some one else. But Peter got it right!

Jesus is the Christ (the anointed or chosen one), He is the Son of our God who came to earth to offer all who believe on Him (His life, His death, and His resurrection), the gift of salvation.

And because Simon Peter knew who Jesus was; Jesus also told Simon Peter who he was. Jesus changed Simon Peter’s name to just Peter, which means rock. Jesus told Peter that he is the rock on which Jesus would build His Church. Peter was still the man he was before, a fisherman and a follower of Jesus, but now he can see himself through Jesus’s eyes. He is strong and sturdy and solid like a rock. Peter would do some amazing things for the early church!

Sometimes we put labels on ourselves like, “I can’t do math” or “I’m not good at sports” or “I’m not popular”. And sometimes we believe the labels that other people give us like, “You aren’t my friend” or “You’re a geek (or any other name) or “You can’t read”. But we can’t let those labels identify who we are.

We need to look to Jesus and see ourselves like Jesus sees us. We need to find our identity from Jesus. Jesus sees you with love and forgiveness, as a child of God, faithful, strong, free, blessed, healed, comforted, guided, and called.

This week I challenge you to throw out the labels of things you “aren’t” or “can’t do” and see yourself as Jesus sees you. Let Jesus show you who you are and what you can be!

“Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” Matthew 19:13-15 NIV

Blessings as you embrace the love of Jesus for each of you and allow Him to identify who you are!