A letter of recommendation ∙∙

A letter of recommendation ∙∙

But who do you say that I am? This question, posed by Jesus to His disciples, is a pivotal moment in the Gospels. It challenges us to consider our own understanding of Jesus’ identity and the implications of our belief in Him. – Mark 8:29

Mark 8:27-29

 27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”

 28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.”

 29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.”

A letter of recommendation assesses and highlights the individual’s character traits, skills, and attributes, aiming to determine their suitability for a particular job or duty.

At some stage in your life, you will most likely be required to compose a reference letter for someone. Now, imagine being asked to draft a reference letter for the Lord Jesus Christ; what would you write? In a way, the four Gospels serve as letters of recommendation., testifying to His character, skills, and attributes.

Early in the Gospels, readers embark on a journey of discovery about Jesus Christ’s identity. His apostles, at first uncertain, must uncover it themselves. They listen, observe, and often find themselves astonished, pondering, “Who is this man?” as they witness His command over nature, such as calming the storm, “Even the winds and waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:27).

The Lord Jesus Christ revealed His true identity through His compelling, profound teachings and miraculous acts, demonstrating control over nature, illness, and even death.

John 6:68-69

 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,

 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

Every child of the King has conducted a comparable evaluation and concluded that He is the Son of God and has consequently placed their faith in Him.

The Lord Jesus Christ conducts a reality check, seeking to ascertain the current, common beliefs about His identity. Moreover, Jesus desired to understand His disciples’ personal beliefs about Him.

He questioned, “Who do people say I am?” seeking to gather the opinions of others. Responses varied widely, from acceptance and sympathy to outright rejection and hostility. The profound and enduring passage serves as a poignant reminder of the crucial moment when the disciples were summoned to express their unshakable faith in the deity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As they stood in the presence of the Lord, they were asked to affirm and proclaim their convictions regarding His identity.

In a moment of profound introspection, Jesus sought to discern the nuanced nature of His disciples’ faith and comprehension. His question, “Who do people say I am?” served as a catalyst for a deeply introspective dialogue, prompting the apostles to navigate the myriad perceptions and distill their own unwavering faith in the Son of God.

The Lord Jesus Christ was not seeking popularity or running for office. He was not concerned about his standing in polls or public opinion. Instead, he wanted his apostles to clearly state their beliefs about him by asking, “Who do you say that I am?” This question calls for personal understanding and unyielding commitment.

How did the apostles’ convictions about Jesus develop? Their beliefs about Jesus weren’t mere products of chance but were formed over time through shared experiences. Over three years, they witnessed His profound teachings, saw miraculous healings, and navigated their interactions with religious authorities.

In a defining moment of unwavering faith, Peter ascended as the vanguard, proclaiming Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, monumentalizing a resounding declaration that would reverberate through the annals of time.

Jesus guided His apostles down a path of personal awareness, urging them to form their own understanding of His identity instead of merely echoing others’ views. Ultimately, they had to make a fundamental choice: to accept Him or not.

REFLECT & PRAY

Biblical belief is not a matter of opinion; it is the response of the heart to the revealed Truth in the Word of God. Biblical belief recognizes and affirms the truthfulness of the Scriptures.

Father, thank You for creating in me a desire to know the Truth, for guiding me to the Truth in Your Word, for enabling me to understand and believe in You and Your Son, and for giving me eternal life.

INSIGHT

The Gospels, written by either eyewitnesses or individuals who had direct contact with them during the first century, serve as historical records and biographical depictions of Jesus Christ’s life. They provide valuable insights into His teachings and actions during His time on earth. Rather than being mere compilations, the Gospels are intricate narratives with well-developed storylines, characters, and settings, focusing on the historical events of His life, death, and resurrection.

Despite their significance, the Gospels do not aim to be exhaustive accounts of His life. Instead, they are selective, offering glimpses into His personality and presenting only a fraction of what He said and did.

John 20:30-31

 30 Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book,

 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

In the Gospel of John, the author’s primary aim was to present a comprehensive and persuasive account of the identity and mission of Jesus Christ. Through this Gospel, John sought to provide substantial evidence to enable readers to understand and evaluate the true nature of Jesus in depth. By offering a wealth of compelling information, John’s Gospel serves as a powerful endorsement, encouraging individuals to engage with the material and form their own convictions about the identity of Jesus.

John provides information in his gospel that allows readers to critically assess and draw their own conclusions. By presenting compelling evidence, John invites individuals to learn and believe that Jesus was indeed the Christ, the Son of God. As a result of placing their faith in Him, individuals are promised the gift of eternal life.

Imagine if a friend or colleague were tasked with writing a letter of recommendation for you, highlighting your unique qualities, traits, and skills. How might they portray you, and what would their insights reveal about your character and abilities?

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© Dr. H 2024