The undefined “They” continue to impact our world in unprecedented ways.
“They” are the ones that are focused on when we tout facts, when we point to victims, when we just don’t want to feel left out.
“They” have more control over this world because we don’t really know who “They” are, we just know that their voice carries weight.
Jesus was well aware of the power “They” wield when he asked his disciples in Luke 9:18, “Who do people say I am?”
He knew his disciples were listening to what “They” were saying about him: that he was John the Baptist, Elijah, or some other ancient prophet risen from the dead. “They” perpetuated theories based on stories of old and generational traditions, seeking to define their present through their past. “They” needed to make sense of what they were experiencing through Jesus — his ministry, his message, his miracles.
“They” may have had several suggestions about who Jesus could be, but “They” never knew who he was. While “They” could provide a sense of comfort for those around them, “They” could never offer the personal conviction Jesus demanded.
You see, Jesus didn’t leave it with that one question. He had a more important follow-up question for his disciples. He asked, “But who do you say I am?”Jesus sought to differentiate between the perception of the crowds and the belief of his disciples.
Peter seems to not miss a beat when he responds, “You are the Messiah sent from God!”
Too often we never go beyond the first question, allowing our beliefs and perceptions to be defined by whatever “They” happen to be saying at any given moment. But God desires more from us, more than allowing the chants from the crowd to define our faith. After all, it isn’t the crowds who help you experience eternal life, it is your conviction in Christ.
Eventually, and every day thereafter, we all must answer that important second question. Breaking through the noise “They” are constantly making, Jesus speaks into your heart, “But who do you say I am?”
For the answer to that question is where real life begins. It’s where joy is found beyond the circumstances of this world. It’s where love and compassion are extended to all. It’s where hope calls us to adventure forward. It’s where a foundation for life is formed.
We cannot fully live into who God has created us to be if we continue to defer our faith to whatever “They” may say. Because more often than not, “They” are wrong, nothing more than a clanging cymbal trying to distract us from Christ’s quest for your heart’s conviction. “They” seem louder than ever before, trying to convince us what we believe when it comes to abortion, gun control, immigration, race and a myriad of other topics that are taking our world hostage.
It’s not bad to know what “They” believe: Jesus never chastised his disciples for that. But it is critical to know what YOU believe, why you believe it, and how you’re going to live it out.
Maybe this is a season in which Jesus is asking you, “But who do you say I am?”
What’s your answer?
