Tinanong ulit sila ni Jesus, “Ngunit para sa inyo, sino ako?” Sumagot si Simon Pedro, “Kayo po ang Cristo, ang anak ng Diyos na buhay.”

Mateo 16:15–16

When Jesus came into one of the districts He was visiting, He asked His disciples who do people say He is. They answered that some people say He is John the Baptist while others say Elijah, and others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets (Matthew 16:13–14). Just like that time, people these days look at Jesus in many different ways. To many, He was the greatest human being that ever lived and changed the world. But they don’t believe He is God. To others He was just a great teacher whose teachings inspired them to do good. To others, He was just another faith healer or miracle worker. And to others, His name was just another substitute to a curse word!

If Jesus were to ask you in person, right this minute, “Sino ako para sa iyo?” how would you answer Him? Ano ba ang pagkakilala mo kay Jesus? Ano ba ang relasyon mo sa Kanya?

Is Jesus just a Bible story for you, or is He the center of your life? Is Jesus just one of the many statues on your altar to whom you pray on particular hours of your day? Or, like many Filipinos, do you make Jesus the excuse for the longest and merriest Christmas season in the world?

Who Christ is to you will determine how you spend your life here on earth and in eternity. Simon Peter got it right when he said, “Kayo po ang Cristo, ang anak ng Diyos na buhay.” To Peter, Jesus is both Savior and Lord. With this conviction, Peter became a faithful follower of Jesus. And when Jesus returned to heaven, Peter continued his Master’s mission and became one of the leaders of the early church. In the end, Peter died a martyr’s death because he proclaimed Jesus as Lord. Peter lived and died for Jesus Christ. How about you?