Listen

Simon Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Then Jesus replied, “Happy are you, Simon son of Jonah, because no human has shown this to you. Rather my Father who is in heaven has shown you.

Matthew 16:16-17

Think

At this point in the conversation, Jesus highlights what is still integral to the Christian experience today: discernment through God, not people. Jesus asks his disciples to differentiate between how people around them are defining Jesus versus how they understand Jesus themselves. After Simon Peter answers, Jesus replies that Peter’s understanding came from God, not other people, and that understanding leads to happiness.

Simon Peter’s answer also names an important aspect of God’s being, the idea that God is a living God. Even though we are navigating a world two thousand years after Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are still navigating it with God, who lives eternally and is with us always. As you step into a new school year, remember that you do not approach it alone. God is with you in each class, each test, each delight, and each disappointment, and God’s love for you never fails.

Lauren Dunn

Question to Ponder:

How can I keep my focus on the living God, today and always?

Pray

God of all life, you are with me in each step I take today. Help me to remember Jesus’ teaching that happiness comes from what I learn from you, and guide me back to your ways in all my thoughts and actions. Amen.

Go

Go into the world resting in the confidence of your identity in God, who designed you, loves you, and goes with you every step of the way.