“Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.” (Luke 9:18-20)

     Some of the people who Jesus encountered were confused as to who he was.  I can understand their confusion, because if they were looking for “God’s Messiah,” they might have been looking for somebody who took on an appearance and persona quite a bit different from how they perceived this Messiah. 

     Peter did answer correctly.  God’s Messiah came in the form of someone who looked like us and related to us.  His divine yet human nature fulfilled the plans that God made.  Jesus was among them, and he is among us.  It is up to each of us to reach out to Jesus, not only acknowledging him, but keeping a close relationship, being open to what we are taught each day.  What a privilege it is, knowing that the God of the universe cares so much about us and wants our lives to be complete!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your presence in my life.  Help me to acknowledge you in all that I do and say, showing others the way of life you offer to all of us.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.