Is That Your Final Answer?

“But who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15, NLT).

A few years ago there was a phrase that was popularized by the TV game show, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” It became a cultural catch phrase.

As you may remember, Regis Philbin would ask a contestant a question. The correct answer was worth a lot of money. The question would have a potential answer of “A”, “B”, “C”, or “D”. The contestant would make a selection and Regis would ask, “Is that your final answer?”

Today you can hear that phrase used in many different contexts. Recently when ordering from the menu of a restaurant, the waitress asked me, “Do you want French fries or a baked potato?” When I responded, “I would like a baked potato,” she quickly inquired, “Is that your final answer?”

Apparently Americans have grown to like the phrase. It implies opportunity to change your mind or have a second chance at a question. However, the time comes when the contestant has to give a final answer, and it is locked in with no possibility of changing the response. So it is in our lives.

In Matthew 16 we’re told that Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” The disciples replied, “Some say that you’re Elijah. Others say that you’re one of the prophets.” Jesus then asked, “Who do you say that I am?” as if to ask, “Is that your final answer?”

Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Who do you say Jesus is? To say that Jesus is the Christ is to say, “Jesus is the anointed Messiah of God who alone can save me from my sins.” To say that Jesus is the Messiah is to say that there is none other whom you will follow with all the allegiance of your heart. If Jesus doesn’t have the allegiance of your heart then something else or someone else does.

Is that your final answer?

Pray with Me:

Father, today I proclaim without hesitation that your Son Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One! I will follow where He leads, and live as He instructs. I commit my life to Him in faith, and stand on this final answer. Amen.