Prayer before Peter's Confession

Who do you say I am?

Recently, my family and I have started a book club based on the book, “Atomic Habits,” by James Clear. On the cover it promises ‘tiny changes, remarkable results’. We are finding that from age 21-73, it  applies to all 5 of us.

The chapter this week in our family book club is all about identity. How your habits shape your identity and vice versa.

Some quotes to ponder:

“The ultimate form of intrinsic motivation is when a habit becomes part of your identity. It’s one thing to say I’m the type of person who wants this. It’s something very different to say I’m the type of person who is this.”

“True behavior change is identity change. You might start a habit because of motivation, but the only reason you’ll stick with one is that it becomes part of your identity.”

“Your habits shape your identity, and your identity shapes your habits. It’s a two-way street.”

Ok, so how does this apply to the scripture passage for this week? In Luke 9, Matthew 16 and Mark 8, three different places where this conversation is recorded, the question arises from Jesus, “who do you say I am?”. First, they have a conversation about what the crowds are saying...John the Baptist, Elijah, a prophet, etc. Then, Jesus puts the question to the disciples…“who do you say I am?”. Peter declares “You are the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God.

I found myself wondering why Jesus asks the question. I could see myself asking this question to those closest to me...but out of insecurity and wanting to people please. Jesus isn’t insecure. I think more likely, He is trying to make sure they are "getting it". In so many of the stories recorded in the gospels, it’s questionable, if they are or not. The disciples often seem confused, lacking faith and utterly disappointing to Jesus in their responses and understanding. But in this direct question, He must have blessed relief to see they are getting it after all.

Ironically enough, the very next passage He is telling Peter to “get behind him” because once again Peter is showing He doesn’t understand the way God works, but at least in the scripture passage for today, there is a glimmer of hope.

The disciples understanding Jesus’ identity is crucial. They have been around his habits and behaviors for awhile now and hopefully Jesus’ identity has come through crystal clear. That’s how it works. If we examine our habits...we get a pretty clear picture of who we are and what we really believe.

The most beautiful part of this scripture to me is in Matthew. I’m not sure why it’s only recorded there, but I love it when Jesus turns around after Peter says “You are the Christ,” and  gives Simon who becomes Peter a new identity and tells him he is ‘the rock’ on which He will build His church.” Wow!

Do you think that new identity changed everything for Peter? I think it did.

If Jesus came to me today and asked “who do you say I am?” What would be my response? I think it would be a measure of how aware of Him I really am. Do I really know Jesus and understand what matters to Him, and live in a steady awareness of His presence? The only way I could truly understand His identity is if I am aware of His ways.

And I wonder...who would Jesus say that I am? What is my God given identity? Each one of us has a unique God shaped and created identity to live out.

What you believe about who Jesus is and who He says you are changes everything about your day to day life. Every thought...every action...every decision...every habit...everything.

Ruth Spencer