What about you?

Have you ever wondered what people think of you?

In this day and age where clicks, likes and followings are converted into digital currency, the vast majority of people are in one form or another curious, if not concerned, about what people think or say about them. The only possible exemption are “us” seniors or elderly who have reached that point where lifespan, shelf life or time is more valuable than any other currency.

Netizens, politicians, brand managers, athletes, anyone who needs a following or fan base, all keep tabs on what people say or think of them. That’s what all those “like” – “heart” or share icons are there for. And when that is not available, the parties concerned will hire some researchers or outsource some survey company to check how someone or something is rating or performing in the market.

Believe it or not, it would seem that even Jesus Christ was interested or, at the very least, curious about public perception of him. If you ever read the book of Matthew in the Bible, specifically chapter 16 verses 13 to 15, you will realize that Jesus Christ asked the question many survey firms ask. We just miss it because we are clouded with the bias that the accounts are religious or historical.

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’  They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’

“‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’”

The account of Matthew continues on to the revelation of the Messiah through Simon, who is renamed by Jesus as Peter and appointed as gatekeeper and guardian of the keys of Heaven.

When I read the account for the nth time, I confess that I just skimmed over much of it until I got stuck on the line: “What about you? Who do you say I am?” Why did it matter what people thought who Jesus Christ was, and why does he ask his followers, “Who do you say I am?”

Given the flood of information, whether true, false or fake, we are all aware of how vital it is to keep tabs on what is being promoted, shared or manipulated. Whether in the time of Christ or the present, many people still choose to believe what they want to believe and embrace their version of “truth” based on the limited information available to them, or the little effort they have put into searching for the truth.

In spite of Jesus being present in the flesh, followers and believers of John the Baptist chose to perpetuate the idea of his reincarnation in the body of Jesus Christ. Those who associated Jesus with Elijah and Jeremiah were people who could not move past the Old Testaments or whose analysis were restricted by the prevailing beliefs.

The historical narrative even tells us that they were all waiting for a warrior Messiah who would crush the Romans and free the Jews. Based on the account of Matthew, it was clear that public perception was not based on the message or “content” being delivered by Jesus Christ. The “survey results” or “feedback” revealed that there was a serious disconnect regarding “the messenger, the message and the audience.”

As we all know from hindsight, people called him “Rabbi” because it was the norm to call a wise and fluent communicator as “Teacher” or Rabbi. Others saw him as the healing prophet, the miracle maker who fed thousands in the middle of nowhere. Some even saw him as an exorcist who had power over evil spirits and Satan. Last but not least, the authorities referred to him as a troublemaker. Good or bad, every one of them labeled Jesus in their context and their expectation or need.

Was Jesus concerned with public perception and reputation or was he simply using the survey result as a pivot to check on his team if they too were swayed by public perception, nationalistic aspirations or religiosity?  I think it was a set-up.

Only one out of the twelve knew the right answer: Simon/Peter who, by all accounts, was the pro-active, assertive leader by default among all the apostles and it just so happened that he received divine revelation of Jesus being the Messiah. You cannot lead, carry the torch, represent or speak on behalf of something or someone if you don’t know who or what you are talking about. Right?

Fast forward to Holy Week 2023, you find yourself trying to make time and effort to reflect on your religious belief or your faith. If you happen to be a Catholic, a Christian or a “believer,” how would you answer Jesus Christ as he asks you: “What about you? Who do you say I am?”

You can talk about the institution or one of the many different churches that recognize Jesus Christ, you can talk about an established religious system or doctrines along with worship songs or beliefs and values you ascribe to. But the question is personal; What about You, and do you actually tell people who Jesus is to you and who Jesus is in Your life?

In all humility and sincerity, I believe our Lord Jesus Christ left that question hanging for generations to come so that in time, just like today, we would each have to give an answer that will make us realize why we are where we are, why we are who we are, all because of who Jesus Christ is in our lives.

So, what about you?

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