How many of us have wrestled with Jesus' question to his disciples: Who do you say that I am?
We preachers love that text. Whether you just walked into a church or have been following Jesus for a lifetime, it always meets you where you are and calls you deeper.
Now, presumably, Peter speaks up for the group when he answers. Before that, though, "they" answered Jesus' first question: Who do the crowds say that I am?
As I reflected on that question a little more today, I noticed the listening posture of both the disciples and Jesus.
When it comes to Jesus, I appreciate that he doesn't only declare who he is. He'll even want his followers to keep what they know about him a secret. Instead, he's willing to ask. His question was for his disciples, no doubt, but he also may be curious about the spiritual pulse of the people and his followers.
And the disciples? They had an answer because they had been listening, too. I imagine there were some shouts and acclamations everyone would have heard as Jesus went along. And I suspect there were more quiet conversations the disciples were a part of as well. Taken together, they had a sense of what people were saying about their teacher.
So, if Jesus listened and his disciples listened, are we listening? Are we willing to hear what people think about spiritual things?
You don't always need to preach a sermon to share faith. You don't need a pulpit. You probably do more good when you talk, ask and care about what other people have to say. Holy curiosity leads to holy conversations that can become holy bridges.
Truth can grow from the interest you take in other people. So, listen well. Share more conversations. Speak and let others speak openly and honestly. You might grow in faith just as much as anyone else.
Stay blessed...john | 
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