Heart Checkup!
Hi Everyone,
This week we are going to do a Heart Checkup!
We are going to look at 2 questions that Jesus asked.
Let’s read Matthew 16:13-19 for the first question.
In this portion of Scripture Jesus asks His disciples who other people think He is, and of course, people have different answers just like today, nothing has really changed, but then He throws this question at them,
“'But what about you?' He asked. ‘Who do you say I AM?’" (Matthew 16:15)
So, what would your answer be if Jesus said that to you? Simon Peter goes on to say,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” (Matthew 16:16)
I’ve heard many answers to this question like, Jesus was a good man, a teacher, a prophet, a leader, miracle worker etc. but if we cannot say that He is the Son of the living God then we cannot have the assurance of our salvation, because yes, He was all those things but our salvation is built upon the answer to that question.
In vs 18-19 Jesus goes on to say that on that revelation He will build His Church and He assures us that no matter what opposition comes against us it will never be able to destroy us, His church. Isn’t that great to remember in difficult times, in fact, if we look back in history every time God’s people have been persecuted, they grew and multiplied even more. E.g. (Exodus 1:12, Acts 4:2-4, Acts 8:4)
Jesus then tells them that He’s giving them the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. The Keys are the symbol of authority and we can only receive them as believers, not for doubters!
Now let’s read John 21:15-17 for our next question.
“Do you love Me more than these others do?” (John 21:15)
This question reveals our motives and exposes our hearts. Is Jesus our first love? (Revelations 2:4) Or just part of a list of loves? Whose would you put Him on your list? Does your family, careers, business, money etc. rate higher? The truth is that when He is a priority in our lives then everything else falls into place. (Matthew 6:33)
In John 6:14-15, This is after Jesus had fed the 5,000 the people wanted to make Him King just so they could fill their bellies for free! So, I ask myself, ‘Am I just following Him to get something from Him? Or do I truly love Him and what to have and close relationship?'
I believe He’s asking us the same questions today,
“Who do you say I AM?” (Matthew 16:15)
“Do you love Me more than these others do?” (John 21:15)
What would your answer be?
“Thomas said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)
"I write these things to you who believe in the NAME of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)
God Bless You all and have a great week!
Love Giovanna!