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Dear Friends in Christ,
Jesus was a Jewish teacher who sometimes employed the Socratic method. In the four gospels, he asks more than 200 questions!
We’re considering an important question this week. After asking, “Who do other people say I am?” Jesus asks his followers, “But who do you say I am?” This sequence is found all three Synoptic-or similar-gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
Jesus wants to know how the disciples’ understandings as close followers compare to those who watch at a distance. His is, therefore, a great question for church members who follow Jesus. Who Jesus is for us matters for it may affect the nature and quality of our beliefs and expressions of faith in his name.
It also matters because there are many understandings about Jesus’ identity. Probably you’ve learned more than a few along your faith journey because you’ve matured in your thinking, or you’ve studied, or you’ve had a few teachers and listened to a few preachers!
Some of your understandings may be common, perhaps “orthodox.” Some may be uncommon, even “non-orthodox.” By others’ understandings, your understanding may even be labeled heresy. But, whatever others say, what matters is what you say. For it’s your life in Christ, we’re talking about.
On Sunday, you’ll have a chance to reflect on your understandings of Jesus. I hope you find it a meaningful moment in your life of faith. For ours is a journey on which, as poet, Robert Frost, reminded us in Stopping By Woods On a Snowy Evening, “(we Christians) all have promises to keep, and miles to go before (we) sleep!”
Blessings Along the Way,
Pastor Ed