“Your Opinion Matters.”
We see this phrase everywhere. After a customer service call. At the bottom of a receipt. Whether it’s your child’s school form or during a company-wide Zoom/Teams meeting, opinions are continuously being collected. Whether it’s rating a product, voting on a family reunion location, or choosing the next restaurant for a girls’ night out, we’re constantly being asked to share our opinions. Sometimes, it’s casual. Other times, your answer doesn’t just matter; it determines your next level.
“Who do people say the Son of man is?”
~Matt 16:13
“But who do you say I am?”
~Matt 16:15
God builds on Revelation NOT Reputation!
This scene takes place in Caesarea Philippi, a region dominated by pagan worship and shrines to false gods. Amidst the idols, Jesus posed the most significant question ever asked: “Who do you say I am?” While He was aware of others’ opinions, He focused on His disciples’ response, which mattered most to Him. Recently, I discussed with a close friend how others’ views may linger after we’re gone. She passionately said she didn’t care much about others’ opinions, even if they were valid to them, because they wouldn’t define her. In this context, Peter’s reply was based on the only opinion that truly counts—God’s. It wasn’t just the right answer; it was a heartfelt spiritual confession. Jesus then declared, “I will build My Church!” based on that confession.
Peter’s confession revealed the difference between cultural awareness and spiritual insight. Cultural awareness can recite what others say; spiritual insight confesses what God has revealed. Others had opinions, but this reveals how few in the crowds will have true revelation from God. This moment defines Kingdom discipleship. Until we personally confess who Jesus is, we remain only spectators, not participants. Jesus didn’t need validation from those crowds; what He was after was personal commitment from His disciples. Scripture confirms that what Jesus wants is our confession and our hearts. “If you confess with your mouth AND believe in your heart..”
“No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” First, we must have a revelation of who Jesus is; this can only come from God. Then, we make our confession, receive our identity, and live on mission.
We live in a culture of pluralism, where people often quote others’ opinions about Jesus rather than seeking personal understanding. Many dismiss Jesus as merely a “good teacher,” a prophet, a myth, or simply a historical figure, but without revelation, we’re only repeating what we’ve heard. When Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?” He was emphasizing the importance of a personal relationship with the Father and receiving divine revelation. Your life will ultimately reflect your true perception of Jesus. Our culture prioritizes branding over genuine belief, making clarity in this question essential. Will we echo the culture’s confession or stand firm in our confession of Christ?
For me, this question challenges every part of my walk. Not what I’ve been taught, but what I believe when no one’s watching. Do I live like Jesus is the Christ—Lord, King, Ruler—or just a convenient Savior? In order for this to be true about me, my decisions must reflect the reality that He holds the keys to life and death. This week at work, we were informed that 11 positions in our department will be eliminated at the end of this month. I was one of those positions that they said would be eliminated. I could choose to see this as a setback or an assignment; every valley I walk through reveals how I answer this question. My resolve in this regard depends on whether I truly believe the confession, just as Peter did. When I see Jesus clearly, I start to see myself more clearly as well.
Time of Reflection:
** What you believe about Jesus determines how you walk with Him.
**Your confession carries the weight of your calling.
Heart-Probe moment:
**Do I truly see Jesus as He is, or as I’ve been told He is?
Scripture references:
Matthew 16:13-16, Mark 8:27-29, Luke 9:18-20
Rom 10:9-10
1 Cor 3:11
Eph 1: 17-18
Col 1: 15-20
Heb 1: 3
2 Pt 1: 16-18
Closing Prayer:
Jesus, I want to know You, not through the filters of others, but through divine revelation.
Strip away all the public opinion and fluff. Allow me the grace to live in accordance with my divine confession that You are the Son of God, so that my words and walk may agree. Thank You for asking the question and becoming the answer. Amen
