“Who do you say that I am?”

 

Jesus asks that of his disciples. As we might expect, Peter gives an answer which elicits Jesus’ praise. But Peter’s wasn’t the only response offered that day. Nor would it be today. 

If Jesus were to ask our congregation, “Who do you say that I am”, we would be shocked if there weren’t dozens of different answer. Perhaps even as many answers as people present for the question. 

Now imagine expanding the audience to include all U.S. American Christians. How many different responses would we get? Some would be simple and direct. Some superfluous and verbose. Some beautiful, inspiring, and faithful. And, as much as it pains us to admit this, some responses would be exclusive, ugly, even hateful. 

“Who do you say that I am?”

 

With so many ideas and images of Jesus available to us, what are we to do?
How do we guard our own hearts from harmful visions of Jesus?
How do react when those harmful images hold sway over people we know and love?

What nonviolent responses to violent ideas and actions are even possible for us?

 

 

Pastor Dave will wrestle with these questions and more this Sunday, August 14th, in his sermon, “The Jesus Wars.”

 

Worship with us Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in person or online via our Woodridge UMC YouTube Channel. All are welcome!