Pause

To find our way somewhere, we first need to know where we want to go. Any directions we get, otherwise, are pretty much useless.

In these next quiet moments, think first about where you want to go as a believer. The Spirit awaits to take you there.

Listen

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

Mark 8:27-30

Think

If Jesus were sitting at your lunch table at school and asked these same questions, what kind of answers would you hear? Depending on which friends were there, you might hear something like: “A good teacher” or “Some guy from the Bible” or maybe even “The Son of God.” Then Jesus looks at you and says: “But what about you — who do you think I am?” Would you be as confident as Peter, able to answer almost before Jesus finishes the question?

Peter says the right words because Jesus really is the Messiah, God’s chosen one. But why would Jesus then say, “Shhh…don’t tell anyone”? Doesn’t Jesus want us to tell others who he is?

Or maybe Jesus knows that what we say with our mouths isn’t always backed up in our actions. Isn’t it easier to say “I’m a follower of Jesus” in the lunchroom than it is at a party Friday night after the game?

Steve Cothran

Pray

Lord Jesus, let both the words of my mouth and the actions of my heart tell the world what it means to follow you. Amen.

Go

Go now with great confidence that the Spirit who has led you so far will continue to lead you into your future. Stay alert to any new direction the Spirit might take you, and then go willingly, with delight in new discovery!