The Most Important Question in Life

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples,
"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." And He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Matthew 16:13-15

Jesus didn't have to ask the disciples, "Who do the people say I am?" He knew what the people thought. He asked the question as a set up for the second question, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter, on behalf of all the disciples, gives a politically incorrect answer, "You are the [Messiah], the Son of the living God." After almost three years with Jesus, His followers knew and confessed the truth of who He is. Jesus has revealed His identity to us through scripture:
 "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."--John 14:6

"I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.." --John 6:48

"I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." --John 8:12

"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." --John 10:11

"I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die." --John 11:25-26

Who do you say Jesus is? The answer is a matter of life and death.