Jesus asks the question, “Who do people say I am?”. This would be an interesting question to ask people today. You will get different opinions. Jesus asks them a more personal question, “Who do YOU think I am?”. The disciples are put on the spot. They have been with Jesus from 18 months to two years. Peter responds immediately, “You are the Christ”. Who do YOU say Jesus is?”.

Jesus did not come to set a good example. He came to save sinners through his suffering, death and resurrection. The disciples are to keep quiet. The people were expecting a political Messiah, who would overthrow the Romans. They wanted power and victory – now! James and John will later argue about who will be second-in-command. God’s reign would not come through political or military change..

To take up your cross and follow Him! Are you willing to die for Jesus? This was the end result for many early disciples. They paid for their faith with death. Jesus wants to be first in our lives. We are to take up our own cross and then Jesus is upon the throne. Our own personal ambitions are not to come before Jesus. We are to stand up for Jesus in the home or in work. It is hard. It is not easy. Yet it is right. God is no man’s debtor. If we put him first, he will bless us. If we do not do this then we may lose our own life.

It depends on the conclusion have you reached from the first three questions. You can’t be a secret follower. You have to stand up for him – no matter the cost. Are you a part-time follower? It has to be all the time. Are you a half-hearted follower? You can’t do that. Jesus has to be first – he demands it.