Today’s Gospel presents an intriguing question: “Who do you say that I am?” Have you ever tried to answer that? Throughout history, countless people have offered their interpretations of Jesus. He has become a living Rorschach test, with each person seeing Him as they are, as they want Him to be, or as they need Him to be.
Some prefer a “lite” version of Jesus—a friendly, non-judgmental figure, a nice guy who doesn’t inspire much commitment or sacrifice. A national study on youth and religion once found that many teens view religion as no big deal, except for some Evangelical youth. They see Jesus as kind and forgiving, but not particularly strong or challenging—a pleasant figure, but not the Jesus depicted in the Gospels.
In contrast, many young people I have met are passionate and eager to make a difference. They seek authenticity and a powerful, hands-on experience of faith. This was evident at World Youth Day in Brazil more than a decade ago, where three million young people gathered to see Pope Francis, who embodies the real Jesus. This Jesus is countercultural, brave, strong, and determined. He endured excruciating suffering and proudly bore His scars as a testament to the Kingdom of God, achieved through great sacrifice.
Jesus is about a way of life, influencing our decisions in business, school, and personal relationships. He represents honesty, caring, concern for others, ethics, fidelity, and truth. He demands commitment and integrity, striving for us to grow into decent, saintly people. This Jesus, as portrayed in the Gospels, is far different from a soft, rose-colored image.
If Jesus is not someone worth dying for, then He isn’t someone worth living for either. Some young people haven’t met this true Jesus, and perhaps we haven’t either.
So, who do you say that He is? How do you depict Jesus? This week, I challenge you to reflect on these questions. Does this Jesus excite and challenge you? Does He make you nervous with His demands, yet inspire you to know, follow, and love Him? Your answer to His question, “Who do you say that I am?” is crucial.
If you feel distant from Him, try praying the last three words of the Bible: “Come, Lord Jesus.”
