Who Do People Say That I Am? Common Thoughts

He questioned His disciples, saying to them, 'Who do people say that I am?' They told Him, saying, 'John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.' And He continued by questioning them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Peter answered and said to Him, 'You are the Christ.'

Mark 8:27-29 (NASB)

But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, 'He is out of His Mind.' And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, 'He has Beelzebub,' and, 'By the ruler of the demons He casts out demons.'

Mark 3:21-22 (NKJV)

How do outsiders see Jesus today? As a lord? A liar? A lunatic? In His starring role as Earth's Leading Man, those who saw Him, saw Him differently. Why?

  • He was a Lightening Rod, Lamb, and Lion.

  • He was a Blaze of passion and power.

  • He was a Teacher, Lover, and Fighter.

  • He was a Uniter and Divider.

  • Scribes and Pharisees called Him a demon.

  • The people He touched called Him a Healer.

He appeared to each person who saw Him… as God individually prescribed.

Consequently, He was cheered and chided, hallowed and hunted, crowned and crucified.

As a Preacher, here’s what Jesus WAS NOT. He WAS NOT complacent, indifferent, or someone who was easily ignored.

My great concern: Is He ignored today?

In a New York City pop-up survey,* a few people called Jesus their Savior. Others mocked Him. But the majority answered with a casual disregard:

  • 'Jesus was just a story made up by someone--could have probably been a real person and something special, but not like the story says.'

  • 'I don't know. I don't know Jesus very well.'

  • 'Yes, there's definitely something special about Jesus. The same things that are special about me and you, and well--everybody.'

  • 'Definitely good morals and beliefs and possibly some special gift.'

  • 'He seems like a godly type guy.'

  • 'I think he's inspiring for a lot of people, so that's really cool to me.'

  • 'A make-believe story that's got blown out of proportion.'

This disregard spurs mission-minded saints! Why? Because Jesus gave us a commission. And also because…

Like toy-obsessed kids, self-obsessed boasters, sports-obsessed players, work-obsessed bosses– or countless millions staring at their phones, while walking carelessly through life’s minefields…

They’re unaware of the danger ahead.

'For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, 'Peace and safety!' then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief' (1 Thessalonians 5:2-4).

Who Do People Say That I Am? Common Thoughts (Part 1)

* Who is Jesus? (NY City street survey, video. Expect some mockery.): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=johNLhZ5y48

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban