The Easter Question

Jesus either rose from the dead or he didn't. Jesus was, who he claimed to be, or he wasn't. His death and resurrection was staged or it was the real thing. "Easter" forces us to contemplate these propositions.

He was either the "Criss Angel" of his time, or the "Christ" of eternity.  Jesus put this proposition to his followers one day by asking them a simple question-a question that is still being "asked” today.

Jesus’ question and the disciple’s subsequent answer are found in Matthew 16:13-17. “While in Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples, 'who do people say that the Son of Man is?' Because they were speaking for others, they easily shouted out the answers: 'Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' Then Jesus asked, 'But who do you say that I am?'

Jesus’ question clarifies our belief. It get’s right to the point. It opens a window to the soul. And it’s within the soul that we either believe or we don't.

But Peter exposed his soul and revealed the answer to Jesus' personal query: "Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' And Jesus answered him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven'"

On Easter, this question is asked again and there are only two responses: Either Jesus Christ rose from the dead and is the Christ, the Son of the living God or He didn't and was a fraud.

Take a moment this Easter season and contemplate what your answer would be to Jesus’ question, who do you say that I am?