Who do you say I am?

Who Do You Say That Yahusha Is?

During his ministry, people held many different opinions about Yahusha’s identity. But those who walked closest with him – his disciples – made profound declarations that reveal the truth about who he is. Let’s explore their responses as recorded in Scripture.

The World’s Opinions

When Jesus asked, “Who do people say that I am?” (Matthew 16:13, Mark 8:27, Luke 9:18), His disciples relayed the popular views of the time:

• “Some say John the Baptist.”
• “Others say Elijah.”
• “And still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

These answers reflected the Jewish expectation of a great prophet but missed the full truth about Jesus’ identity.

Peter’s Confession: The Messiah, the Son of God

Turning to His disciples, Jesus asked, “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). Simon Peter responded with a powerful confession:

• “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living Elohim.” (Matthew 16:16)
• “You are the Messiah.” (Mark 8:29)
• “You are the Messiah of Elohim.” (Luke 9:20)

Peter recognized Jesus as the Messiah (the Anointed One), sent by Elohim to fulfill His promises to Israel. He did not claim Jesus was Elohim himself but acknowledged his divine appointment as Elohim’s only begotten Son and chosen King.

Growing Understanding

As the disciples walked with Yahusha, their understanding deepened:

• After Yahusha walked on water, they worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of Elohim.” (Matthew 14:33)
• When many abandoned Yahusha after a difficult teaching, Peter reaffirmed, “We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of Elohim.” (John 6:68-69)

The Resurrection’s Impact

The resurrection solidified the disciples’ understanding of Yahusha as the Messiah and the Son of Elohim. At Pentecost, Peter boldly declared:

• “Elohim has made this Yahusha, whom you crucified, both Master and Messiah.” (Acts 2:36)

Paul’s View of the Messiah

Paul, once a persecutor of believers, encountered the risen Messiah and became one of His most dedicated apostles. His letters provide deep insight into who he believed Yahusha was:

• “There is one Elohim, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Master, Yahusha Messiah, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” (1 Corinthians 8:6)
• “For there is one Elohim and one mediator between Elohim and mankind, the man Messiah Yahusha.” (1 Timothy 2:5)

• “Elohim raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 1:20)
• “Every tongue will acknowledge that Yahusha Messiah is Master, to the glory of Elohim the Father.” (Philippians 2:11)

For Paul, Yahusha was the promised Son of Elohim, the second Adam (Romans 5:17), the suffering servant who was obedient to Elohim (Philippians 2:8), and the future King who will reign until all enemies are defeated (1 Corinthians 15:24-28).

What Does This Mean for Us?

Yahusha once asked, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). The disciples’ testimony is clear – Yahusha is the Messiah, the Son of Elohim, the One anointed to reign as King.

How we answer this question shapes our faith and our lives. Will we, like Peter, recognize Yahusha as the promised Messiah and trust in the one true Elohim who sent him?