Read: Matthew 16:13-20
The Foundation of Our Faith
Ephesians 3:18-19 tells us that God wants us to “understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.” Christ’s love is so great we can’t fully wrap our minds around it. But when we do grasp even a portion of it, we’re “made complete.”
Our perception of God lays the foundation for our faith. If we want to be made complete, we need understanding.
What the Parable of the Talents Teaches Us
Let’s look at the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. This parable is about so much more than money. It opens our eyes to something deeper. It’s showing us the importance of how we view Jesus.
A master gives three servants some money before taking off. Two of them double their cash—the master’s thrilled! But the third guy? He buries his portion out of fear.
That third servant—bless his heart—saw the master as “a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow.” Because of his perspective of the master, his entire approach was controlled by fear.
But the truth is, the master didn’t demand perfection! He said, “You should have at least put my money in the bank so I could have withdrawn it with interest.” The master wasn’t looking for flawless performance—he was looking for trust and effort.
The Danger of Misunderstanding
In Hosea 4:6 the Bible says,
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”
Which is why I’m asking today,
Who is Jesus to you? Like really!
Think about Eve in the garden. The serpent’s greatest weapon wasn’t physical force—it was misrepresentation.
The enemy spun the story that God was withholding good, convincing Eve that if she wanted to experience the best for her life, then she would have to rebel against God. And Eve fell for it all, leading her to reach for what seemed like freedom but, actually led to complete destruction.
The same misrepresentation continues to distort our view of God today. So I ask you again, who is Jesus to you? Like really!
False Images of Jesus
I have seen so many people walk away from the faith because of who they thought Jesus was.
Some were fed the lie that Jesus was a harsh master, others that He was withholding good. Some were convinced that Christ’s purpose was to bring us only blessings, only to be filled with faith-shattering disappointment when life did not turn out as they expected.
Finding the True Jesus in Scripture
We need to look at Jesus through the lens of truth. Not our truth, but His objective truth found in His word.
Remember Peter in Matthew 16? When Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?” Peter didn’t hesitate: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
This truth wasn’t just head knowledge—it was a heart deep understanding that transformed everything for Peter. This is the same disciple who later stepped out of a boat and walked on water! Why? Because he recognized Jesus for who He truly was. The Lord with power over wind and waves.
When we recognize Jesus for who He truly is, we stop setting limits on what’s possible in our lives. We step out in faith instead of sinking in doubt.
As Christians we’re called to worship Christ, the Jesus of the Bible, and when we look at Him through the scriptures, we see His perfection. His character in the, moments when He cried, or got angry. We become a witness to his compassion and obedience to God.
In other words, scripture allows is to see and know the God we love.
Application
How do we make the shift from believing the lies to knowing truth?
1. Pray
The Bible tells us that is anyone lacks wisdom they should ask! Simple put, we cannot be spirit led following our own understanding. So, ask God to Open the eyes of your heart and bring you even further into the truth.
2. Read Your Bible
The Bible is our gift from God. It is the story of our God’s faithfulness. Everything from Genesis to Revolution points to Jesus.
“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God.” NLT
John chapter 1 verse one begins the story of Jesus by telling us that:
The Psalmist said it best…
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
Let the light of God’s word guide you to the truth.
Psalms 119:105 NLT
Which brings us to application number…
3. Start in the Gospels.
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are all accounts of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Each account showing us his nature and charter.
Prayer
Lord I want to know you. I ask that the eyes of my heart would be enlightened.
Give me an understanding mind full of wisdom. I pray that every lie that i have come to believe, about you would be exposed, and replaced with your truth.
In Jesus Name Amen
Reflection Question
Right now, in this very moment, how do you see Jesus? As a demanding taskmaster waiting for you to mess up? Or as your “helper, healer, and friend”—a Lord you can trust?