Devotional:Do You Know Jesus:Matthew 16:13-17

“He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am’” (Matthew 16:15, NASB).

Tray and I were talking about the qualities of a good leader. In o0ur conversation Tray said that one of the most important qualities of a good leader was to have knowledge about the people that you hope will follow you. This is necessary so that you can motivate potential followers. If we expect someone to follow us we have to know what their interests are. Are they interested in what you hope to accomplish. As we talked, I mentioned that the quarterback of the Tennessee Titians did not show good leadership during the game. When the offense came off the field, he usually sat alone on the bench. On the other hand the Joe Burrow the quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals was actively involved with his players on the sidelines. He was able to keep his followers motivated as evidenced by their continued strong efforts in spite of the fact that the Titans sacked Burrow nine times.

In out scripture passage, Jesus took His disciples to a remote place. Jesus asked the disciples who the people said that He was. He also asked them who they thought that He was. Their opinion was important because He was about to tell them about His soon crucifixion. He would be raised from the dead and these men would have the responsibility to lead the way in spreading the gospel. Did they know Him? Could He motivate them to join Him in His mission of saving people from their sins and their reconciliation to God?

Peter confessed that Jesus was the Son of God. Peter and his faith would be the rock; the foundation of the church. Peter and the eleven had a lot to learn about their task. They knew who Jesus was and they were motivated to follow Him?

Prayer: Father in heaven, we believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Amen.