I've been thinking about our identity as humans this week and how important it is for each of us to have an individualuality; to make a name for ourselves so to speak; and our name is certainly a way in which we claim our identity.

This week our congregation will have the opportunity to consider the importance of not only our individual identity but our identity "in Christ". We will be looking at Matthew 16 where Jesus asks his disciples "who others say that he is" as opposed to "who they say Jesus is". This is a very key part of the scriptures but certainly the gospel of Matthew. This particular gospel is written to the Jewish nation and particularly the new Jewish converts.

This long-awaited Messiah that has been promised to the Jewish nation HAS come and thank God that the disciples and particularly Peter recognized this. Unlike the "others" who recognized Jesus as John the Baptist, or Elijah, or even Jeremiah; Jesus is the Christ (Messiah); not the forerunner but God incarnate.

And I just love Peter's boldness! I think he truly did speak for most if not all the disciples but here Peter is the only one to claim Jesus as Christ. I pray that my identity of Christ can be just as bold as Peter's.

Yet we see that Peter is rebuked only a few verses later and this is due to Peter's lack of true understanding in God's purpose; of His will. Peter could not accept that Jesus' purpose was to suffer and be killed in order that death may be fully defeated through resurrection and new life be made available for everyone.

This was not Peter's perspective of what the Messiah should do (Why should God suffer and die?). But that point has spoken so clear to me this week and I pray will also speak to our congregation this week. We must get on God's agenda not expect God to be on our agenda. It's all about truly identifying ourselves with Christ which verse 24 and 25 in this chapter tells us demands true self-denial, acceptance of our cross, and full obedience.

I am so thankful that God loves me so much that I can be identified with Him. I feel so blessed to be called a Christian and it is truly who I am by God's grace. Who do you say that Jesus is?