As I was reading Luke’s gospel account this week, I came across an interesting theme. The theme centers around one question, “Who is this?”
The question first appears immediately after Jesus begins his ministry. As “news about him went out through all the surrounding country” people started asking, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” (Luke 4:14, 22). People were trying to figure out who Jesus was because he had returned to Galilee (in the power of
the Spirit after his temptation) and was teaching with authority (4:32). His hometown resented his teachings and tried to kill him because they could not figure out his identity. Although people could not figure him out, the demons knew exactly who he was (4:34, 41). Jesus’ mere presence was enough for the demons to recognize him, but for the sake of the people, he started working miracles to help them recognize him. His miracles caused another report about him to go through the crowd because he healed many people of their infirmities (5:15–16). His miracles were powerful witnesses of his identity, and they showed people that he was able to do more than heal their sicknesses.
When he told people he could forgive their sins, they asked again, “Who is this?” (5:21; 7:49). Jesus’ teachings and miracles turned many people away while at the same time attracted others (7:17). Those who were genuinely interested in discovering his identity followed him closely so they could get the answers they needed. Even John the Baptist wanted confirmation of Jesus’ identity (7:19–21). Those in Jesus’ closest circle of friends continued to connect the dots (8:25), but he confused those outside, like King Herod (9:9).
When Jesus tested his apostles about his identity, we finally see how they correctly connected the dots (9:18–20). Peter is the first to make the great confession, “You are the Christ of God” (vs. 20). Peter’s confession answers the question, “Who is this?”
The great confession is not only for Peter. When we hear the good news about Jesus we have to answer the question, “Who is this?”
Billy Camp
Billy grew up at the Decatur Highway congregation in Birmingham, Alabama. After graduating from high school, he moved to Montgomery to attend Faulkner University. In 2012, he graduated from Faulkner with an undergraduate degree in Biblical text. He then went on to complete his Master’s degree in New Testament Studies at Faulkner and his Ph.D. from Liberty University in Christian Apologetics. In addition to serving with our family ministry and preaching, Billy also teaches in the Bible department at Faulkner University.
Billy is married to the former Shelby Vega and they have three children: Kinley, Roman, and Lewis. He works with the Family Ministry at Dalraida and also preaches and teaches classes regularly.