WHO DO MEN SAY YOU ARE?

Read: MATHEW 16:13-20

Meditation verse:

“He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” (Mathew 16:15)

As you interact with people daily, they form impressions about you which inform who they think you are. Their opinions – which are entirely dependent on their interpretations of what you say and do – may not necessarily be a true representation of who you are.

Whilst Jesus was on earth, He ate with sinners, visited the home of a tax collector, ate without washing His hands, healed on the Sabbath and allowed a former prostitute to anoint His feet. To Jesus, these were all acts of love- His way of saying “I do not condemn but love you”. However, the pious Pharisees and Sadducees saw things differently. Based on their own interpretations, they called Jesus a wine bibber, breaker of sabbath laws and a friend of sinners and outcasts. They even accused Him of heresy when He said He was the son of God. Jesus was not distracted by their accusations. He knew who He was and remained focused on the task at hand.

If you are adversely affected by what others say of you or get distracted, you are undermining your progress and doing yourself a huge disfavor. The bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:21, “do not take to heart everything people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you”. If Jesus was unfairly and wrongly accused, why do you suppose you will not be spoken ill of?

When Jesus wanted to know the truth about what others thought, He asked those closest to Him; His disciples, “But who do you say that I am?”. If you truly desire to know what others think of you, ask those closest to you and they will tell you, warts and all. But be sure to ask those whose judgement you trust.

Nothing means anything except the meaning we give to it, and the meaning we give to things differs based on our lens of interpretation. Do yourself a favor and stop whining over what others think about you. You cannot be the most popular person on earth. Instead, focus on what God wants you to do. Let Jesus’ example encourage you today.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye

Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest.

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:

Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com. I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.

I look forward to hearing from you.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com

I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.