Even in the days of the Lord Jesus Christ here on earth, people had varied perceptions of him. When he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”, they replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets” (Matt. 16:13-14). By this answer, it appears that the people did not know Jesus that much. Their impression of Jesus could be the result of guesswork based on the signs, wonders and miracles that they saw him perform. Jesus didn’t seem to be bothered by other people’s impressions of him, since they were not with him all the time. However, he was concerned about the impression of his disciples and asked, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” In asking this question, Jesus wanted to know from the disciples if there was any difference between them and the people in general. Certainly, those who had been instructed by the Lord should have known him in a very personal way. This was demonstrated by Peter when he answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:15-16).
Today, the same question is still very relevant and needs to be asked not to unbelievers, but to those who claim to be believers. While many started their walk with the Lord Jesus Christ well and seemed to have come to know him in a very personal way, they gradually wandered from the true faith because of the influences of people around them. While Jesus used to be the Lord of their lives, they no longer believe and trust him as they used to. They would rather listen to what other people say and then put their trust in them. They are no different from the believers in Galatia, whom the apostle Paul rebuked, saying, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ” (Gal. 1:6-7).
What does it mean to have Jesus as the Lord of our lives? If he is Lord because he is only our healer, provider, protector and sustainer, then he is not actually the Lord of our lives. If he is Lord, then he should be our master and we submit to him. He has control over our lives and we believe and trust him. His being a provider, healer, protector and sustainer are only consequences of our relationship with him. As Lord and Master, he will take care of our needs. Therefore, we need to have a good personal relationship with him as Lord, so that we can count on him for our needs. The problem with many who call themselves believers is that they focus their attention on the blessings that they can get out of Jesus and do not bother cultivating their relationship with him. When they do not get the blessing, they complain and eventually drift away. If only they had spent a moment to listen to and meditate on what Jesus had said, they could have spared themselves from trouble and receive the assurance of their salvation. Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33). In saying this, Jesus emphasized that blessings are the consequence of having a good relationship with him and for acknowledging that he is the Lord of our lives.
Confessing with our mouth that Jesus is Lord is not enough to show that he is indeed the Lord of our lives. In fact, the apostle James said, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder” (James 2:19). Even the devil believes that Jesus is Lord, but this does not make him a believer because of his works. Therefore, as believers of the Lord Jesus, we need to let him rule our lives and obey him. We need to cultivate our relationship with him, so that we will come to know him more. When we serve him, we serve not because of what he can give to us as a blessing, but because we love him. Even when there are no visible blessings coming, we continue to trust him and obey his commands, because we know that his blessing is a natural consequence of our seeking him. Friends, let us not be influenced by what people say about the Lord Jesus Christ and their impressions of him. Let us get to know him through his Words and the Holy Spirit will be gracious unto us to reveal his plans for our lives. He is our Saviour and he will save us. Hallelujah!
