19 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.” 20 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Sometimes we have to choose to be ourselves. This can be very difficult for someone who grew up in a home with controlling parents. Every time you tried to express yourself, you were shut down and told not to be that way. After a while, you just closed down that part of who you are. As Jesus asks His immediate group of followers about what they are hearing He has an opportunity to listen into their minds and understanding. The answers tell us that they know Jesus is someone different, someone extra ordinary. Some say he is John the Baptist, who incidentally has been beheaded by the Roman ruler of that region. I wouldn’t mind being someone who was recently beheaded, as long as the head were reattached! What a freak show mainliner. We could do the Talk Show circuit. I bet there would be a book deal in it, maybe even a movie. Others say Jesus is Elijah, the prophet of the Old Testament who was taken to heaven in a whirlwind. He had performed many miracles during his lifetime. I can see the resemblance. But Jesus rejects these approximations. He wants to be Himself. He could have been sidetracked from His mission if he accepted these lesser designations. But instead, Jesus pushes the disciples for their understanding of who He was. Many people place many labels on Jesus. Very few are correct. Many people put labels on you. Very few are correct. Can you tell the difference between those that fit with who you really are and those that you accept because they are comfortable? I want to encourage you to examine every label that comes your way. When it comes, examine it and see if it really is you. If it doesn’t fit, reject it and search for a label that does fit. Don’t settle for a label that limits your ability to be everything God has called you to be.
The Arnold Journey 