The Barefoot Evangelist

Read Matthew 16:13-20 with your family.

Jesus asked his friends a really important question: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter had heard what other people thought about Jesus, but Jesus wanted to know what Peter thought. Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” He was beginning to understand who Jesus was for himself.

You hear lots of people’s ideas about Jesus too. Your family may tell you things. Your church tells you things. Your friends might have ideas about Jesus, and you will hear things online, in books, and at school. Listening to other people can help us learn—but Jesus’ question is still important: Who do you say that I am?

You don’t have to have the perfect answer. Peter certainly didn’t understand everything yet! As you grow, learn, ask questions, and experience more of life, your answer may grow and change too. Faith isn’t about memorizing somebody else’s answer. It is about discovering what you believe and why you believe it.

So ask questions. Think about what Jesus said and did. Notice the way he treated people who were lonely, hurting, or left out. Talk about the things that confuse you. Jesus wasn’t afraid to ask his friends what they really thought – and you don’t have to be afraid to figure out what you really think either.

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