One day Jesus asked his followers a simple question. Little did he know that Jesus was baiting them for a much deeper question. What are people saying about me?
After giving him various answers about him being one of the prophets, he zeroed in on the real question. What do you say about me, he asked.
Think about this.
The story I am referring to is found in the New Testament gospels of Matthew and describes a close personal relationship with Jesus and his followers.
It describes the kind of relationship I have written about for several years.
The group is traveling up to Jerusalem. They are conversing about many things, probably laughing and carrying on like friends on a journey would do.
Jesus asks (what sounds like) a curiosity question, what is being said about me? I imagine no one in the group thought anything odd about the question and began telling him what they heard.
This kind of conversation can (and should) take place in a close personal relationship with the Godhead. The difference is that you do not see the Lord with your eyes or hear him with your ears. However, he is present, and the conversation can be as real.
Jesus turns his question to the heart of the matter when he asks, and you, what do you say about me?
I can imagine the panic on some of their faces while others gaze off in deep contemplation of his question. Still, others might look at each other, questioning why he would ask the question.
Honestly, consider which group would describe your response to his question if you dare.
Then it happens!
I imagine it was one of those times when Peter’s ears comprehended what his mouth was saying. His eyes opened wide; his heart began racing as adrenaline hit his bloodstream.
Simon Peter said, “You’re the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:16 The Message
Jesus came back, “God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am.
Matthew 16:17 The Message
This is another element of a close personal relationship with the Godhead. “My Father in heaven, God himself,” spoke to Peter, imparting a divine truth into his heart.
I believe Peter did not have such an understanding a few minutes before the conversation with Jesus, but the truth had been imparted. The conversation only brought into the open that truth.
Following this revelation, Jesus opens up to his followers, telling them about future events. Hearing him talk this way prompted Peter to rebuke him.
Jesus rebukes satan and tells Peter to stand down.
Consider this
A few minutes earlier, Peter spoke from a God revelation.
Now he speaks a devil-inspired rebuke.
Peter had not crossed over to some elite status as the voice of God. He proclaimed God’s word, but he also proclaimed the adversary’s rebuke.
Humanity (even redeemed, blood-bought, and sanctified humanity) lives in a fallen world and remains susceptible to the thoughts and imaginations of the devil.
It does not mean that you do not have a close personal relationship with the Godhead.
It does not mean that you are a super-saint.
It does not mean that you are a sinner.
It means that in a fallen world, you will constantly be challenged by the strategies of your adversary, the devil, and that you should always strive to have a close personal relationship with God.
So, who do you say that Jesus is?
If you are the one with the panicked look, perhaps you question your commitment to follow Jesus completely. If that is the case, you will do well to have a serious heart-to-heart talk with yourself.
If you are the one in Deep contemplation, perhaps your relationship with God is more intellectual than spiritual. If that is the case, you will do well to take a step of faith.
If you are the one Questioning why the question, perhaps you are carrying the emotional baggage of abandonment or genuinely being loved. If that is the case, you will do well to choose to forgive and let go of past hurts.
A close personal relationship with the Godhead is a lifetime journey. It is not a Christian club you join, so you can feel like you belong.
A close personal relationship with the Godhead is a daily walk with ups and downs. This is why community is so important—you are there for each other to encourage you in the journey.
A close personal relationship with the Godhead is needed now more than ever.
A close personal relationship with the Godhead is a journey. I invite you to follow along. I will pass it along as I learn so you, too, can learn. I hope that as you learn, you can pass it along so that I (and others) might learn.