The Question

Monday, September 28, 2026 | Amber Harper

Matthew 15-16

There comes a point in each of our lives when we are faced with questions about our identity: “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” How would you answer these questions? What informs your answers?

So many of the struggles I have had to work through have stemmed from not knowing who I am. I tirelessly searched for my identity in all the wrong places, leaving me feeling ashamed, disappointed, and hurt. One of my biggest struggles has been keeping up appearances. I always wanted to appear as if I had it all together. I would feel weak or like a failure if I showed others that I was really struggling. This finds its deep roots in pride, and I still need the Lord’s work in this area of my life.

I know many of us scoff at the famously religious Pharisees and Sadducees. I have! Yet this passage has been eye-opening and has pricked my heart as Jesus gets to the heart of the matter. They were more concerned with how they appeared on the outside than with examining their hearts. Jesus tells them that it is what comes out of the heart that defiles a person (Matthew 15:11, 18). The Lord has always cared more about our hearts than our lip service (Isaiah 29:13).

The faith of the Canaanite woman, the healing of many, the feeding of the four thousand, and Jesus’ warning about the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees all strengthened the disciples’ faith and led to one pivotal moment. Jesus asked, “Who do others say I am?” After hearing their answers, He asked the question that may be the most important question we will ever face: “But who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15).

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

That answer was foundational. Once the disciples understood who Jesus was, He began teaching them more deeply about why He came. When we know who He is, we can begin to understand who we are and why we are here.

Our identity is not something we have to create, earn, or prove. It is found in the One who created us, redeemed us, and calls us His own.

So, who do you say He is?

Your answer changes everything.