Who Is Jesus?
Jesus had walked on the water. Peter stepped out of the boat to meet Him, initially in faith, and then doubt, and then fear: but Jesus caught him as he was beginning to sink. The others in the boat had rowed towards the Saviour and the saved man. As they climbed back aboard they were in awe of Jesus; they fell down on their knees in the boat and bowed to Him in worship.
At last, the disciples knew who Jesus was. They were in the presence of the Son of God! Even though they had seen miracles before, and had just helped Jesus feed 5000 families, their eyes were cloudy, they did not really know who He was. In the misty light of early dawn they thought He was a ghost; but now they knew that He was God. The pieces of the jigsaw came together under Divine inspiration: they knew the identity of Jesus.
When they got back to the shore, many other people recognised Jesus. They saw Him as a man, a teacher, a healer and miracle-worker; but they did not identify Him as God the Son. They thought He was there to help them, but had little idea that He was there to save them. Peter knew, because Jesus has physically pulled him out of the waves; the other trainee apostles understood and they worshipped. But for the masses, Jesus was an enigma: He was good when He did something for them, but they were reluctant to commit themselves to Him. Eventually they shouted, "Crucify Him".
"Who is Jesus?" is still the biggest and most important question in the world. If He is only a good example, teacher or healer, then we can admire His example; but should never worship Him. That would be blasphemy. However if He is God the Son, the Messiah and Saviour of the world - then it is critical that we should recognise Him, worship him and put our faith in Him. The apostles understood His true identity and put their faith in Him: so should we. And if we know who He is, we must share that news with others, as the apostles did, and many came to trust in Jesus. Who will thank God that You told them about the real identity of Jesus and encouraged them to submit and worship Him?h
