LENT, DAY 12: NOT SECONDHAND FAITH
ADD: Declare Out Loud Who Jesus Is to You
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
— Matthew 16:15 (NIV)
Have you ever been around someone that you have heard a lot about, but haven’t actually met them directly? This could be a coworker, a friend of a friend, even a family member. So all of your knowledge and information about that person is based on other people and their experiences with them?
Is Jesus a friend of a friend to you? Or is He YOUR friend? Have you gotten to know Him for yourself? As we grow and mature in our faith, we must realize that we cannot rely on who Mama ‘nem know God to be. We have to know God for ourselves.
In today’s passage, Jesus asks His disciples what other people say about him, then he asked “Who do you say I am?” Not your grandmother. Not your pastor. Not your culture. You.
At some point, our faith must move from tradition to conviction. One day, we’ll have to go from thinking about “that song grandma used to sing” and sing the song hidden in our own hearts.
There comes a moment when borrowed belief is no longer enough. When you must decide who Jesus is to you in your grief, your joy, your doubt, your questions.
Sundays are invitations to reaffirm what we believe—not because we were raised to believe it, but because we have encountered Him ourselves.
Who do YOU say that Jesus is… Your answer shapes your life.
Reflection Questions
When did your faith become personal?
Where is God inviting you to deepen your conviction?
Today’s Affirmations
My faith is personal and alive.
I know who Jesus is to me.
I stand firm in what I believe.
Kingdom Marker
Spiritually committed believers move from tradition to conviction.
Prayer
Lord, Thank you for the seeds that were planted for me to get a chance to see you work in the lives of people around me. Thank you for Mama’s prayers, Daddy’s faith, Grandma’s Bible, and Pastor’s favorite sayings… In this season, deepen my understanding of who You are. Help my faith grow roots that are personal, steady, and strong. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
