JP75: Who Is Jesus To You?: The Answer That Determines Your Destiny

John Newton was a slave trader whose life was marked by greed and cruelty until he encountered God's grace. His repentance and recognition of Jesus as Lord led to a complete transformation of his identity and destiny. Newton became a devoted follower of Christ, authored the hymn “Amazing Grace,” advocated for the abolition of slavery, and was a powerful voice for the transforming power of the good news of Jesus. 

The Apostle Peter was a simple, rough-around-the-edges fisherman who encountered Jesus and chose to follow Him.  In the following encounter from Matthew’s eyewitness account, we see how Peter’s confession of Jesus would transform his identity and clarify his destiny.

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:13-18)

‍Jesus Defines Our True Identity

In Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked His disciples a life-altering question: “Who do you say I am?” This question strikes at the heart of our faith. It is not merely theological; it is deeply personal and transformational. For Peter, the answer became a defining moment, not only for his understanding of Jesus but also for his own identity and mission.

We live in a world of competing voices seeking to shape our identity. Cultural pressures, societal expectations, and personal struggles often distort God's sovereign voice. Yet, like Peter, our understanding of Jesus directly shapes who we were born to be. As followers of Christ, our identity must be firmly rooted in Him, empowering us to live boldly for His kingdom even when faced with opposition.

Acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah Is Life-Altering

When Peter declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” he acknowledged Jesus’ divine authority and mission. This revelation was not the result of human reasoning but a gift from the Father. Only through God’s Spirit can we truly see Jesus for who He is.

Recognizing Jesus as the Messiah means acknowledging that He is the ultimate authority in our lives. It’s an act of surrender that reorients everything—our priorities, decisions, and relationships. When the world tempts us to place our hope in temporary things—success, wealth, or approval—we must remember that Jesus alone is our Savior. He is the solid rock upon which we stand.

Take a moment to reflect: Who do you say Jesus is? Your answer will shape the foundation of your faith and the direction of your life.

Embracing Our Identity in Christ Means Our Past Won’t Define Us - His Mission Will

Jesus responded to Peter’s confession with a powerful declaration: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” In recognizing who Jesus was, Peter discovered who he was called to be. His new name, Peter (meaning “rock”), symbolized the role he would play in the early establishment of God’s kingdom on earth.  But there’s more to this statement that we can explore.

In his book Brave Cities: The Archeology, Artistry, and Architecture of Kingdom Ecosystems, Hugh Halter observes that,

“We often interpret this as Jesus giving a general word of encouragement that Satan and his workers will never prevail against his church…But it’s far more compelling than that.  Jesus is saying, “Friends, we’re standing on the center of idol worship and false gods.  So right here, on this very rock of idol worship, these gates of hell, we will now reestablish and restore the kingdom of God.  We are occupying their space.  We are taking over where they have so freely lied and deceived people for centuries.” *

As followers of Jesus, our identity is not defined by past failures or the labels others place on us. It is defined by who Jesus says we are. We are children of God, redeemed by His grace and commissioned as His ambassadors to a broken world. This identity empowers us to stand firm in faith, even when cultural pressures challenge our truth-based beliefs.

In a world that often questions or opposes Christian values, we can take heart in knowing that our identity is secure in Christ. He calls us to be salt and light, bringing hope and truth to the darkest places. Just as Peter was entrusted with a mission, so are we. The question is: Will we embrace it?

Living Boldly in the Face of Opposition

Jesus’ promise that “the gates of hell will not overcome (the church)” reminds us that we are part of an unstoppable mission. The church is not a building or an institution; it is a people—a movement—built on the foundation of Christ and His gospel. No power of darkness can prevail against it.

Yet, living as a follower of Jesus often means facing opposition. Peter would experience persecution, imprisonment, and even martyrdom, but his confidence in Christ’s victory gave him the courage to persevere.

We, too, may encounter challenges to our faith—whether in the form of criticism, rejection, or pressure to conform to worldly values. In these moments, we must remember Jesus’ words: “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Our hope is not in avoiding hardship but in standing firm, knowing that Christ is with us and His kingdom will prevail.

How can we live out our identity in Christ in the face of opposition?

‍1. Spend Time in God’s Word and Prayer: Like Peter, we need divine revelation to understand who Jesus is and who we are in Him. Regularly seek God’s presence and guidance.

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2. Be Part of a Community of Believers: The church is a collective body, and we draw strength from one another. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to stand firm in faith.

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3. Speak Boldly and Act Compassionately: Share the truth of the gospel with love and courage. Let your words and actions reflect Christ's hope and grace.

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4. Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Remember that the battle is already won. Even when the opposition feels overwhelming, Christ’s promise remains: His church will not be overcome.

Jesus asked His disciples the same question He asks us today: “Who do you say I am?” Our answer defines our identity and destiny. When we recognize Jesus as the Messiah and embrace our identity in Him, we are empowered to live boldly for His kingdom, no matter our challenges.

Take courage. Stand firm. And remember: you are part of a mission that cannot fail, built on Christ, our Savior and King.

*Taylor McCall and Hugh Halter, Brave Cities: The Archaeology, Artistry, and Architecture of Kingdom Ecosystems (Richmond, VA: 100 Movements Publishing, 2024), p. 56.

Photo by Danica Tanjutco on Unsplash