[27] And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” [28] And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” [29] And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” [30] And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him. (Mark 8:27-30)
This is a bold statement that could be debated in many circles, but I’m still going to make it. The questions Jesus asks in the Mark 8:27 is the most important questions ever asked.
Jesus asked, “Who do people say that I am?” This question is as applicable today as it was timely when Jesus asked it. Who do people say Jesus is? While fully unpacking this question would take a dozen dissertations, here are three reasons I think these are the most important questions ever asked:
God created humanity in part so he could have a personal relationship with his created beings. Our sin killed that relationship, eternally separating us from our Creator. There is one answer to the first question that reveals how God restored his relationship with us.
When it comes to humanity, the same one answer has eternal consequences. That one answer ensures that we are included among God’s people, receiving blessings and benefits from God. It guarantees we will be brought into God’s presence when we fall asleep in the Lord.
That same one answer has eternal consequences for creation. When Adam and Eve fell into sin, all of creation plunged into sin with them. That answer reveals who will bring a new heavens and new earth.
What is that one answer? It is the answer to the second question Jesus asked: And Jesus asked them, “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ!” This is the one answer that identifies our salvation in this life and the next, the very hope for all creation.
Kevin Wilson 360 