Menkato V Awomi
Dimapur
In a state that proudly bears the title of a “Christian State,” where cultural diversity and rich traditions are celebrated, the name Jesus Christ is no stranger. His name is printed in newspapers, echoed in prayers, sung in choirs, and engraved in countless public events and family altars. From Sunday schools to Bible verses posted on social media, His name is constantly before us. But here lies the great spiritual dilemma: do we know about Him, or do we truly know Him?
There’s a world of difference between knowing facts about someone and knowing them personally. To illustrate, think about the Prime Minister of India. We all know his name, his face, his policies. But that doesn’t mean we know him personally. We don’t dine with him, walk with him, or hear him call our name in the quiet hours of the night. That kind of knowledge requires relationship and intimacy. The same applies to our relationship with Jesus Christ.
In Matthew 16:15, Jesus turns to His disciples and asks one of the most personal questions ever recorded in Scripture:
“But what about you? Who do you say I am?”
Prior to this, He had asked them what others were saying about Him, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” But then He shifts focus. He wasn’t ultimately concerned with public opinion. He was concerned with personal conviction.
“But what about you?”
The question Jesus asked them on the road in Caesarea Philippi is still echoing through time, piercing the hearts of every so-called believer today:
Who do you say Jesus is?
This is a question of intimacy. It’s not about how long you’ve been going to church, how many Bible verses you can quote, how often you fast, or how old your church is. It’s not even about how many generations of your family have been Christians. What matters to Jesus is your personal relationship with Him.
Let us not be deceived a culturally Christian environment cannot replace a personal relationship with Christ. Church attendance, baptism, Christian labels, and religious traditions are not enough. Jesus wants your heart, not your habits.
When Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” (v. 16), Jesus responded with powerful affirmation:
“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” (v. 17)
Do you see the significance?
Peter was not called “blessed” because of his own understanding or human effort. He was called blessed because he had received a divine revelation from God about who Jesus truly is. And it was upon that revelation not Peter himself that Jesus said He would build His Church.
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church…” (v. 18)
What rock? The rock of revelation the truth revealed by the Father about the identity of Jesus Christ. The Church, even today, is being built not on personalities, not on buildings, not on denominations, but on the foundational truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
And when that revelation hits your spirit, when the veil is torn from your heart, nothing can stop you from entering into the true body of Christ. That’s when your Christian life begins not when you merely attend services, but when you receive the revelation of who Jesus truly is.
The Cost of Relationship
The price Jesus paid to make this relationship possible was beyond comprehension. We often emphasize the physical suffering of the cross — the scourging, the crown of thorns, the nails, and the suffocating crucifixion. But that was only the surface.
Jesus endured spiritual agony far beyond human pain. He bore the full weight of the Father’s wrath for sin. He absorbed every curse, every guilt, every shame. The depression that makes you feel like life isn’t worth living? He carried that. The torment of shame, anxiety, fear, and spiritual darkness? He felt it all multiplied for all humanity.
But perhaps the most unfathomable suffering came when, for the first time in all eternity, the eternal union between the Father and the Son was momentarily broken.
“My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46)
Do you realize how severe this is?
Jesus, who always called God “Father,” now calls Him “God.” Why? Because He became sin for us. The Holy Father had to turn His face away. The unity of the Trinity experienced separation for our sake. Jesus took our place and endured the wrath that we deserved so that we might be united with God forever.
That is how deep His desire is for relationship.
The Divine Exchange
This is not a small matter. On the cross, a divine transaction took place:
• Your sin was laid on Jesus.
• His righteousness was given to you.
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:21:
“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”
This is grace, pure, undeserved, overwhelming grace. And it only comes through knowing Jesus, not just knowing about Him.
Throughout the Old Testament, we see man failing over and over to keep the law. The relationship between man and God was strained and fragile because of sin. Though God is merciful, man kept rebelling, and judgment followed.
But when Jesus came, the war ended.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14)
This wasn't peace between nations or families — it was peace between God and man. Jesus fulfilled every demand of the Law. Isaiah 53:11 says:
“After He has suffered, He will see the light of life and be satisfied; by His knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.”
God was satisfied. The penalty was paid in full. Now, God invites us into a personal relationship, not a religious routine.
Not Religion, But Relationship
Friend, God is not looking for a “church-based” connection. He’s not impressed by outward rituals. He is not counting how many hours you serve, how many Christian events you attend, or how many religious posts you share.
What He is after… is you.
He wants your heart. He wants intimacy with you. He wants you to walk with Him, talk with Him, and lean on Him. He desires to reveal Himself to you not just as Savior, but as Friend, Brother, Lord, and Lover of your soul.
So, the question remains, and it’s more urgent than ever:
Who do you say Jesus is?
Not what your pastor says.
Not what your denomination says.
Not what your tradition says.
Not what your family says.
But you deep in your heart , who is Jesus to you?
One Thing Matters Most
Let’s stop measuring our Christianity by religious milestones. Let’s stop checking boxes. Jesus didn’t die so that we could follow rules. He died to bring us into a relationship, one built on the rock of revelation, not religion.
You can know about Jesus and still miss Him.
But if you know Him truly, deeply, personally nothing can separate you from His love.
So today, strip away the titles. Lay down the traditions. Quiet the voices of religion. And let Jesus ask you once again:
“But who do you say I am?”
Your answer to that question is the most important thing about your life. And everything else flows from there.
