February 27, 2026

Lenten Reflections 1

“Who Do You Say That I Am?”

Jesus asked this question of his disciples, and I think that it echoes still for us today.  For me, when Jesus asks the question – “Who do you say that I am?” – the emphasis is on the word “YOU,” and the answer he is waiting for, and hoping for, is for you to dive deeper and grab hold of who he is to YOU.

            Jesus wants your personal answer.  He wants the answer that emerges out of your relationship with him.  He wants to know what you really think, and what you really feel about him.  You may have been helped along the journey of that experience of him, perhaps aided by your Sunday School teachers, or through messages from different pulpits throughout your life, or even in conversations as friends have shared their feelings with you.  But now, Jesus wants your own personal answer. 

            And because each of us is unique, the answer from each of us will be unique.  Of course there will be some similarities, but your answer will be uniquely yours, because you are unique. 

            Now, if I were to begin to answer Jesus’ question today, and to answer it for me and not for you, I would begin by noting his compassion toward people, and especially toward those whom other people were not compassionate toward.  And I appreciate his compassion.  He models true and perfect compassion for me.

            And my answer also would include that he challenges me.  For though he is compassionate toward me, that doesn’t mean that he lets everything slide.  He still invites me to grow, to stretch myself, to empty myself that I might be filled by him.

            So, how will you respond to Jesus in his question.  What would you answer now?  How will Lent provide you with an opportunity to dive even deeper into your answer?