When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the powers of hell will not conquer it.”” Matthew 16:13-18 NLT

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 Messiah (the anointed or chosen one), He is the Son of our God who came to earth to offer all who believe on Him, with 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 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 sees himself through Jesus’ 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.

Like Peter did, 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 talk with your parents. I challenge you to throw out the labels of things you “aren’t” or “can’t do” and see yourself as Jesus sees you; loved, valuable, blessed and amazing. Let Jesus tell you who you are and what you can be!

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left. Matthew 19:13-15 NLT

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