MEMORISE
Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is heaven (Matthew 16:17).
READ:
Matthew 16:13-17
[13]. When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
[14]. So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
[15]. He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
[16]. Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
EXPOSITION
Jesus asked His disciples, *"Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am? "But who do you say that I am?* (Matt 16.15.15). This, He asked, that His followers would not be confused about His identity lest, they, in turn, present questionable identities before people. Jesus is so certain about His identity that He gives many direct and illustrative expressions about Himself. For example, *I, the Son of Man* (Matt 16:13). *I am the door.* *I am the good shepherd. I am the Son of God* (Jn. 10-9a, 11a, 36b). *I am the true vine* (Jn. 15:1). *You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher* (Jn. 13:13-14a). *I am the bread of life* (Jn. 6:48). *I am the light of the world* (Jn 9:5). *The woman said to Him, I know that Messiah is coming* (who is called Christ). When He comes, He will tell us all things. Jesus said to her, *I who speak to you am He. I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me* (Jn. 14:6). *I am the resurrection and the life* (Jn. 11:25). *I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last* (Rev. 22:13).
Like yesterday, the question to you again today is, who are you, and what do you, your character and deeds say about you? Live like a new creation in Christ. *So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God!"* (Matt. 27-54). Beloved, be God's identity here on earth.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 727
1. Am I a soldier of the Cross-
A foll'wer of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause,
Or blush to speak His name?
2. Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?
3. Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?
4. Since I must fight if I would reign,
Increase my courage, Lord!
I'll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. In Jesus name, no trials of faith shall confuse or rob me of my identity in Christ Jesus.
2. Lord, let me see and experience You, so that I will be able to point others to You.
3. Lord, help our youth to identify You, and be able to point others to You.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Zeph. 1:14-3:20;
Hag. 1-2;
Zech. 1:1-11
AUTHOR
CAC Worldwide
Remain blessed
 DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE DATE Wednesday, October 4, 2023 TOPIC: QUESTIONABLE IDENTITY (II)){kind=link}