Personal Acknowledgment

“He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’”

Matthew 16:15

Would you rather simply hear about someone or would you like to actually meet him or her? In order for a friendship or relationship to develop and grow, the two people must meet and encounter one another, and only through this will they have knowledge of one another. Think about your own friendships and relationships. What makes them possible? What sustains them?

When Jesus called Peter to follow him, he was a fisherman trying to make a living. Peter didn’t know Jesus or much about Him. But as he followed Him and journeyed with Him, he began to talk with Jesus, listen to Jesus, and began to get to know who He was and why He’s there. Jesus then asked Peter who did the people say that He was. Afterwards, Jesus asked Peter who did he say that He was. Peter said, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” By walking with Jesus, talking with Him, listening to him, and encountering Him, Peter was able to make this confession about Jesus’ identity and mission.

Do you know Jesus? Have you spoken with Him? Have you listened to Him lately? Have you encountered Him in others and in the sacraments? How about Jesus? Does He know you? Do you spend time with Him in prayer? Do you invite Him into you everyday life? Do you invite Him into your joys and sorrows? Jesus wants to get to know you, too. Who do you say that Jesus is? Who is Jesus to you? There must be personal acknowledgement of the other for a relationship to work. Jesus wants one with you. Do you?