Your Money or Your Life

Introduction

The other day I had just gotten home and the phone rang. The person said I had been listed as a reference for someone and they wanted to know if I could tell them something about this particular individual. That isn’t unusual. I have gladly given references for a number of people. I truthfully tell about the person’s character, their personality, and answer any questions an interviewer may ask. Who is Jesus? If you were asked that question, what would your answer be? I’m not talking about theological answers. I’m talking about who you think Jesus is. If someone were to ask you about Jesus, how would you define and describe him? What statement of faith would you say about him? Could you recommend him?

This is what is happening in chapter 9 of Luke. Notice in verses 7–9, Herod who was king of Galilee wanted to know who Jesus is. In our text this morning, verses 18–27, the disciples have to answer that question. And in verse 35, the definitive answer is given. Luke 9 is a pivotal part of Luke. Jesus is clearly identified and a challenge is issued. It is the challenge for those who wish to follow him to make a decision which will affect the rest of their lives. The challenge is still valid and each one of us has to answer the question “Who is Jesus?”

Time to Decide

Jesus had sent the twelve out to minister to people throughout Galilee. His desire to spend time alone with them was interrupted by the feeding of the 5000. They finally get a chance to be alone. Jesus has been praying in private. So he turns to the disciples and asks them a question: “Who do the crowds say I am?” Whenever I read a story, I try to put myself into the story and take on the different characters. I wonder if Jesus was a bit nervous when he asked the question. This is the moment of truth. He has been walking the Galilean hills for a while. Do people know who he is? Do they understand? What is their perception? The disciples answer with the names of those considered prophets. The people understand that Jesus is not a mere man. He is at least a prophet.

But what about you? Who do you say I am? “Ok, the people know me as a prophet, but how would you describe and define me? Who am I to you?” Did Jesus’s heart race a bit as he stood there waiting for their answer? Had he just finished praying asking God for wisdom to know what to do next if the answer wasn’t what it needed to be? Was Jesus just a bit concerned that they might say “I’m not sure” or was he confident that their answer would tell the truth about him? I don’t know what Jesus was thinking or what took place, but in my mind I hear the question and then there is this long pause. The disciples shuffle their feet. There is an audible collective sigh as each one thinks how they will answer the question and then Peter clears his throat and says “You are God’s Messiah.”

Wow! Don’t rush through that statement. Peter’s words are loaded with meaning. You are the one sent from God. You are the one we have been waiting for. You are not only from God but as Messiah you are God. You are our leader. Peter looked straight into the eyes of God and confessed the truth about him. Jesus’s response might seem a bit unusual, but he demands that they remain silent about this conversation. It isn’t hard to understand. If they start telling that all over the countryside there will be a political revolt which is not what Jesus wants, needs, or is about.

So who do you say Jesus is? A good man. A prophet. Someone special. God’s special messenger. God’s Anointed one. God in the flesh. What do you call him? Jesus. Savior. Lord. God. There are some who know who he is and yet have not named him as the one sent from God to save. I don’t know your reasons, but what will it take to persuade you to name him as Lord and God? For Herod Jesus was just a spectacle. He was an oddity that demanded interest. A freak show. For the crowd he was a prophet in the line of Elijah. To the disciples he was the one sent from God to save his people. Who is he to you? Will you answer this morning that he is your Lord and God?

Discipleship

What is important to you? Mentally you could name half a dozen things without thinking too long or too hard about it. Let me tell you about two men. Both professionals. One a professional golfer. The other a professional actor. Which man impresses you the most? Which one mirrors your values? Ask your family which person you are.

Jesus says that those who want to follow him need to understand one thing. Following him will not be easy. It means to prioritize our lives differently. It means to deny self. Jesus asks what controls your life? Is the controlling center of your life the self, that part which wants what you think will make you happy, comfortable, and satisfied. Or is the controlling center of your life the Son of God and all he stands for including a cross? Are your priorities based on self-interest and self-fulfillment? Or are your priorities about giving up for the sake of others? Sometimes we will play games in our minds. We will claim the cross all the while pursuing appearance, position, rank, and reputation. Don’t be so foolish. You cannot hide the truth from God.

Jesus says in order to follow him we must take up a cross daily. Cross bearing is not some type of physical malady. We each have our cross to bear we say. No we don’t. The cross is not something laid on us. It is something we take up. Voluntarily. Because we want to. We renounce selfish pleasure. We place ourselves into submission to God. We do for others because we want to follow Jesus. Not so that we get some benefit or reputation from it but because it honors our God.

Let me put it another way. We answer the question about who Jesus is by what we pursue. What good is it to pursue the values of this world and yet give up yourself. Jesus didn’t call any of us to follow the values of this world. He called us to follow him. Reject selfish interests and pursue him. Who do you say Jesus is?

I don’t want to make anyone feel guilty. And if what I am getting ready to say brings guilt to you I apologize. I’m not here to produce guilt. But I do want to convict and persuade. You have a purpose card in front of you. There is one per card rack. There are more available. Look at this card. I want to tell you the truth. The amount you put on that card does not say a thing about how much you love God. Whether it is $1 or $100 says nothing about your love for God. If we could quantify love that easily then the more you give the more you love. But that isn’t true. I’ve seen too many widows’ mites to believe that bit of hogwash. But I want you to answer this question: “Who do you say that Jesus is?” It isn’t the amount you write down that answers that question. It is the priority of your heart that will answer that question. It is the conduct of your life that answers that question. It is the motives you have as you walk through this life that answers that question.

The Finance Committee needs these cards filled out now and turned in today. Hopefully you came prepared to fill one of these cards out. Members of the committee are going to walk along through the aisles to collect the cards. As you finish if you will hold up your hand they will collect it from you. If you are not prepared to fill one out today, I’m confident they will accept them later. You do not have to participate, but this goes a long way in helping the committee prepare the budget. Who do you say Jesus is? Where are your priorities?

Follow Jesus

If you’d like to respond to this message or learn more about following Jesus, please reach out.