We visited a cave at Caesarea Philippi in the pouring rain. This cave was used for Pagan worship and for the sacrificing of animals and probably humans to many gods. But also in this area, possibly this very cave about three hundred years later Jesus asked the question of Peter and the other disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” I stood in the rain trying to picture this incredible event taking place. I tried to imagine what they would have looked like. I tried to listen and hear what their voices might have sounded like. Jesus was telling his disciples the plan that had been set in motion before time had even begun. You can read it in Matthew 16:13-28.
You will notice if you read these scriptures and also look it up in the other gospels that Jesus asks them first who people say that He is. Then He asks them to answer the question personally. “Who do you say that I am.” I wonder what they felt as they looked into His eyes and tried to put their relationship with Him into words. In some accounts He then says “Feed my sheep” and “Feed my lambs”. Now I am no Bible scholar. I wish I knew more and I keep studying. But I will tell you this. I see a direct correlation between truly knowing who Jesus is and acting on that knowledge. Why would we “know” and not “do” or “share”? Jesus gives them a very direct and very clear assignment. Get busy. Take care of my creation. Lead them to Me.
So I stand beside this cave in the pouring rain and I can feel Jesus looking into my eyes and I can hear Him asking me the same question “Kelly, who do you say that I am?” With all His love He waits for my answer. You see, I already know the history and I know the New Covenant. I know Christ as my Savior and I can boldly say, “You are the Christ, the Son of God.” But then he looks into the depths of my soul and says, “Feed my Sheep.” Oh my precious Savior am I fulfilling my calling? Am I doing enough? My life is not threatened by the confession of my faith. My family will not be killed because I proclaim Christ as the one and only way to the Father. Am I going boldly into the lost world sharing the reality of Jesus Christ? Am I loving with the love of Christ through me? I stand in the land where Jesus stood and where Peter and the others followed Him boldly. They set out on a journey that would forever change the world! It is real! It is because of their commitment that I have come to know my Savior.
The directive, “Feed my sheep.” is real and I don’t think it was meant just for Peter and the other disciples. It is meant for you and for me!
Pause for just a moment. Look into the loving eyes of Jesus. Who do you say that He is?