What About You?

At our club, we gather at our range to practice, shoot the bull, and give golf advice. I enjoy the first two more than the latter. Too much golf advice confuses me. If you throw in a bunch of teaching gadgets, info from the Golf Channel, and secondhand advice from various instructors, I easily suffer from information overload. So, what is a recreational player to do?

Our driving range is not unlike the digital public square these days. Arrive at Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or some other social media feed and you’re bombarded with multiple opinions, competing narratives, various truth claims, as well as random and assorted facts on just about any issue. It can be overwhelming, leaving one echoing Pilot’s cynical response to Jesus, “What is the truth [anyway]?” (John 18:38).

In Jesus’ day, Jerusalem was the social and media center for the nation of Israel. People came from all over the region to celebrate annual Jewish holidays. During these extended celebrations, teachers taught publicly, customs were followed, and information was exchanged and spread (see John 7:14-31).

Think Facebook during election season. Because Jerusalem was the religious and cultural center for the region, Jesus strategically chose Jerusalem to publicly interject himself, making some incredible claims. For example, Jesus announced, “All judgement has been given to me” (John 5:22); “Whoever hears me and believes in me has eternal life” (John 5:24); “I am the light of the world (John 8:12); “If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12). Rather amazing truth claims, right?

Because Jesus had undeniable authority, his claims were like a sword, dividing public opinion. Jesus’ words were, and are, always polarizing. The religious leaders thought he was demon-possessed and a blasphemer. The Romans thought him an insurrectionist. The public conjectured that Jesus was the next King David who would restore the nation of Israel. Judas saw Jesus as a means to money, selling Jesus out when he could see Jesus’ demise looming. Other disciples selfishly thought Jesus was a way to position and power; James and John asked Jesus to “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory” (Mark 10:35-45). The opinions about Jesus were many and often conflicting. His impact was world-changing. Jesus’ words transformed some lives while alienating others.

Diverse and opposing opinions about Jesus still reverberate today. Some say he was a great prophet; others say he was a blasphemer or mythological figure. Just Google “Who was Jesus?” The options are as numerous as swing methods and golf aids. So given the sea of opinion, how can we really know who Jesus is?

Jesus gives us the answer in his response to Simon Peter in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus asks Peter a simple and direct question; “Who do YOU say that I am, Peter?” Peter’s answer is also simple and direct “The Messiah, the son of God” (Matthew 6:16). Jesus then affirms Peter:

“You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.” (Mathew 16:18-19, The Message)

You will only know the Truth about Jesus when God reveals it to you. And as a bonus, you will know who you really are when you know who Jesus is. Finding yourself confused today? Ask God to reveal to you the Truth about Jesus. God’s singular answer will not only bring a calming clarity to your mind and heart but will more importantly save your soul.

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Boo Arnold

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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at linksplayers.com.