Royston First United Methodist Church

“[Jesus] said to [his disciples], ‘But who do you say that I am?”” – Matthew 16:15

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READING:   Matthew 15-17
 
In one of the most pivotal moments in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus asks his disciples how he is perceived among people. By this point in his ministry, Jesus has already taught great crowds and performed many healings and miracles. He has gained a reputation among the religious leaders, and would soon share with his disciples of his impending death and resurrection. But in this moment, Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

The disciples respond that some people view Jesus as a prophet (even naming some of the most famous prophets). Then Jesus asks the more important question, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter speaks for the disciples when he acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah, and Jesus affirms Peter as the rock upon whom the foundation of the Church will be built.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we can expect to be asked the same question. Who is Jesus to you? Is Jesus  another prophet? Is Jesus a good moral teacher? Or is Jesus something more? Do you believe that Jesus is theMessiah? Do you believe that Jesus is your Savior? Do you believe that Jesus is your Lord?

Jesus can be many things to many people, but he came to be one thing to all the people. Jesus was sent to earth for our salvation. When we acknowledge Jesus as our Lord, then God promises us (like with the first disciples) that theChurch will spread as a result of our confession. Our world needs to know thename of Jesus — not just as a prophet or great teacher, but as our Lord. Are you ready to share the name of Jesus with the world? Who is Jesus to YOU?

This Sunday, we will kick off the New Testament portion of Exploration series. For the next 14 weeks, we will be learning about Jesus and the early church — a man and a movement that changed the world. I hope you will plan to be with us through the remainder of this series.

As always, I hope you have a great weekend and I look forward to being with you in worship online beginning Sunday at 8:45 AM and on campus at 9:30 and 11:00 AM!

Blessings,
Matt

P.S. This Sunday, we will kick off our 2021 Annual Stewardship Giving Campaign. Over the next several weeks, you will be hearing about our vision for 2021 — to be a church that is “one in ministry to all the world.” I want to invite you to pray about your involvement and your support of Royston First UMC and the mission of our church. Together, we are “making disciples of Jesus who make disciples of Jesus.” If you have any questions about stewardship or what it means to be “one in ministry,” please feel free to contact me at any time.