Who Do You Say That I Am?

For some time there had been a cloud of mystery over Jordan Peterson. Repeatedly, Jordan had dropped clues that led many to believe he is now a follower of Christ. However, on multiple occasions he refused to make a proclamation. So, which were we to believe?

In a recent interview of Mr. Peterson, George Janko refused to let up his questioning until he received a satisfying answer—are you a Christian or not? His response was more than insightful—it was a call for everyone to examine themselves. “What do you think? You’re watching [me].”

This aligns with Jesus in two ways. First, Jesus warned His disciples of those who would claim to be the Christ:

Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. (Matthew 24:23-24 ESV)

Jesus cautioned His disciples not to accept someone as the Christ merely because they claimed the title. Words alone were not proof; their life and fruit would reveal the truth. In a similar way, Peterson’s reluctance to make a quick proclamation can be seen as a caution against empty declarations. He seems to recognize that claiming the name “Christian” without the life to back it up risks cheapening the reality of discipleship.

That leads us to the second aspect of Peterson’s answer that aligns with Jesus. “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15-16 ESV).

We can see how Jesus was discipling His apostles through this question because it cut to the chase. Do my words and my actions support the claim that I am the Christ? Again, the answer was not only in their words. Eleven gave up everything to follow Him to their death. Only one was not martyred.

Mr. Peterson takes the proclamation of following a divine power that is watching us very seriously, and we should do likewise. Does my life demonstrate that I love Jesus and want to obey His commandments? If I ask those who know me, will they proclaim that I follow Jesus?

We should never lose sight of the importance of living out what we believe and, thus, shining His light into the world. However, we do not obey Jesus out of fear—we obey Him out of love. It is because of my love for Jesus that I want to please Him. And how can I please Him unless I listen to Him and apply His words to my life.

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