The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1945-02-23
"What think ye Of Christi"

"What think We Of Christi"
There is a question that every hui
man being must answer. Jesus
asked it (Matt. 22:42), and each Of
US makes some kind of reply.
1t is the touchstone that tries men,
and churches, organizations and
movements. The answer to 1t Is of
deep Importance, for it determines
character, condition, and destiny for
time and eternity.
Jesus, the Christ, the Son Of the
living God, is the center Of the en-
tire lesson.
l. Jesus Confessed (16:13-17).
With His crucifixion now only six
months away, our Lord in prepare
ton for it is about to make more
definite claim to Messiahship, and
thus to establish the truth in the
minds of His disciples. He therefore
asks this all important question
about Himself.
First, 1t is general query,
"Whom do men say that ! ann"
The answer ". 14) indicates that the
common opinion concerning Christ
was very high one. He had made
an impression on the people Of His
time, and this has been true down
through the ages. Even those who
do not believe on Him admit that
He was "the ideal representative
and guide to humanity" or the per-
son before whom everyone would
kneel." But beautiful tributes to His
character and leadership are worse
than meaningless unless they lead
to a personal confession of Him as
Lord and Saviour.
The question becomes personal as
He asks, "Whom do we say that I
ann" That question no one can es-
cape. We cannot refuse to answer.
Neutrality is impossible. Whatever
we do or say, or do not do or say,
is decision.
Peters answer is really the sum
and substance of Christian doctrine.
He recognized Him as the Messiah,
the fulfillment Of all Hebrew proph-
ecy, and as the Son of the living
God, the Redeemer and Saviour of
men, the One in whom centers all
Christian faith.
III. Jesus TRANSPORTED (17:1-3).
AS His amazed disciples looked
on, tina eternal, divine glory of the
Son of God could no longer be hid
den b. the human body and the
humble garments of our Lord, and
ellis face did shine as the sun and
His raiment was white as light"
They saw their beloved Master
now for what He really was, the Son
of God. The testimony of Peter was
no longer mere words, although ever
so blessed. His speech had been
confirmed by sight and they knew
their Master as the Lord of glory.
1t is essential in both the life
and service of Christian that he
clearly understand the truth about
Christ, His person and His work.
When that understanding is tied up
with personal vision of His glory,
there Is assurance and power.
The want of such vision explains
the lack of zeal for soul-winning, the
ineffectivGness of witness, the un-
willingness to suffer or sacrifice for
Christ's sake. "Where there is no
vision, the people perish" prov. 20:
1877 for want Of witness concerning
the Saviour.
III. Jesus Triumphant (17:4-6).
The GROWING point of the trans
f1guration came when the voice
spoke out Of the bright cloud and
gave not only the Fathers unqual-
flied approval Of Christ, but also His
command that men should listen to
Him and heed His message Of re-
demptAon.
Note how this word Of the Father
completed the TRANSPORTATION. In
itself it might have been likened to
that which happened to Moses eek.
1929, 30). We say likened to, be-
cause the glory which showed forth
in Jesus was from within, not just
reflected glow.
But the words from heaven pro-
vide the conclusive and final wit
ness. They so impressed Peter that
he talked of them as a cherished
A1CAIAOAy oAAQ " 0AO4OA A4n 3
power in his life, even when he was
an old man III Pet. 1859.
How do they impress you? Are you
ready to acknowledge Jesus as the
Christ, the Son Of God, and take
Him as your Saviour?
Nv. Jesus Only (17:7-9).
Having seen Him in His glory,
they now saw Him alone. True, the
others had gone, but is there not also
The thought that He, the blessed
God, now filed the vision Of their
souls?
Surely we find 1t right at hand to
make that application to our own
lives. When we really see Him as
He is, then He fills our vision, and
when He does that, we have reached
real satisfaction Of life.
"Jesus only" is more than a mot
to or theme for song. It Is the
epitome of a life worth while. It
makes one want to ask everyone,
''Do you know Him." Well, do you?
II not. will you take Him as your