2-24-2024 11:22pm

Strong spirits: who are you?

Image: Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Japan

If your best friends were asked to describe you or say who you are, what would they say? What would your enemies say, or those that don't like you so much?

Perhaps most importantly, what would you say?

Jesus once asked his friends "Who do people were say I am?" (Mark 8:27). They answered, "Some say John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets." (Mark 8:28). Then Jesus went another step and asked his disciples who they said he was. And Peter, speaking for the group, answered, "You are the Messiah." (Mark 8:29). And Jesus told them to keep it to themselves for a while.

I have questions for you: Who do you say Jesus is? Based on what? Who do you think Jesus says you are? These are foundational questions that will help us shape our view of ourselves, our world, and reality.

I invite you to wrestle with these questions. You might discover something very important!

Gary Schwerin serves as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church. He is also the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - subscribe to our daily email to see all our stories and events.