Recognizing Jesus

Recognizing Jesus for who He is...
“Who do the crowds say that I am?” Jesus asked this question in Luke 9:18. The answer to His question illustrates the fact that most people did not understand who Jesus Christ was. Even the apostles did not understand who Jesus was. Though Peter confessed Him as the Christ, when Jesus spoke of His own suffering and death, Peter was not willing to hear Him and began rebuking Jesus for His words. In all that they had come to understand about their Lord who healed the sick, cast out demons, walked on waves, silenced storms, and raised the dead, the first declaration of Jesus identity, “Behold the Lamb of God,” had been lost to them. Though Jesus spoke of His death repeatedly, their ears were closed to His message. Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother, and He is the awesome God, the Ancient of Days, who dwells in unapproachable light, He is the only sacrifice for sin, and the righteous judge of the world. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, the Bread of Life, the Exalted Head and the one who touches us and says, “don’t be afraid,” “love one another as I have loved you,” “Father, forgive,” “go and sin no more.” When Jesus took James, John, and Peter up on a mountain “and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.” (Matthew 17:2, NKJV) Peter responded with His self-made action plan, but Peter’s ideas were not what was needed. Only one response was required by God who spoke from the cloud, “This is my beloved Son, HEAR HIM!”
When we recognize Jesus Christ, the Son the Living God, for who He is, what must our response be? HEAR HIM!
Now, where is my Bible?