What is Your Life Saying about Who Jesus Is?

Many people have heard the questions Jesus posed to His followers: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” and then, “What about you? Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:13,15). But, I want to ask a follow-up question. What if Jesus would have asked them, and us as well, What does your life say about Who I am?

Now, that is a different question entirely. Even in Jesus’ day, many people identified as following this new Rabbi, but many walked away when Jesus’ teachings seemed to get more personal and required more of them (John 6). Ultimately, with the exception of Judas, the lives of the disciples went on to prove what Peter articulated, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16) and  “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69). This last declaration came after Jesus asked if they wanted to call it quits like so many were doing when His teachings became more dificult. These  disciples, by all means simple men of humble backgrounds, led a movement that has changed the course of history and continues to do so to this day. Eventually, they went on to be persecuted and martyred, so I would say with great confidence that their surrendered lives, through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in them, spoke volumes about just who Jesus was. 

That all is amazingly true, but what about us? What do our lives say about Who Jesus is? 

When life is stressful, do our lives tell the story of the One who quiets the storm in us and brings peace in the midst of the chaos(Mark 4:35-41; Acts 7:54-60)? 

When life is uncertain, do our lives tell the story of our Savior who has secured for us a Hope and Assurance for the future (1 John 5:11-12)?

When life is unjust, do our lives tell the story of the compassionate Lord who was full of Grace and Truth (John 1:14), who stands by the prostitute rather than the arrogant, religious leader (Luke 7:36-50)?

When life is painful, do our lives tell the story of One who comes alongside those who are mourning, hurting, beaten down and rejected…the One who cries with those who weep (John 11:19-35)?

When so many people go through the motions or simply fulfill their moral or religious obligations, do our lives tell the love story of the One we can never live without (Psalm 51)? 

When we see those who have lost their way, do our lives tell the story of the faithful Shepherd who left the ninety-nine to find the one (Matthew 18:12-14)

For our lives to be so bold of a witness, it requires much more than occasional church attendance. Jesus calls us to follow Him every second of every day, to intentionally follow in His steps with each moment He gives us…in every activity He allows us to enjoy…in every encounter with another human being which He provides…in every relationship He entrusts to us…in our everyday lives where each moment brings the opportunity to fall deeper in love with Him. This is a life of worship that testifies to the Savior we serve.

Will we do it perfectly? Not a chance! 

Even in those moments when we don't get it right, we do not need to live in fear but rather rest in knowing how much we are loved (1 John 4:13-18), that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:31-39), and we can breathe easier knowing that we are not condemned (Romans 8:1). And one of the most beautiful parts about all of this is that we do not have to do this alone. He gives us the gift of His Holy Spirit to empower us every step of the way (John 14:15-27), changing us from the inside out to produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, helping us to crucify the sinful nature within us as we keep in step with His Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25). Not only that, He calls us to live, serve, and encourage one another in community (Hebrews 10:24-25) and to use the spiritual gifts He gives us for building up His Body (1Corinthians 12). And, all of this is in accordance with His Word, which “is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” that we may be “thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

So, once more, please take the time to consider, What is your life saying about Who Jesus is? 
Joy Cochran 

04.16.2025