by Kim Josephson

In Matt 22:42 Jesus Christ asked the Pharisees a question. He said, "What think ye of Christ? Whose son is He?" I think all the words of Jesus are incredibly important but these words are perhaps the most pressing in the New Testament. The reason they are so important is because they are not just a question posed to some religious group years and years ago, but they are eternal words directed to each and every one of us. I call your attention to this question because your eternal destiny hangs upon your answer! What think ye of Christ?

First of all, I want you to realize that it is an appropriate question. Some people think that it is totally improper to inquire about a man's "religious" beliefs, but notice, it was Jesus Himself who asked this question. Those are words in red in my Bible and that alone should settle once for all any question of propriety. If Jesus could ask His contemporaries what they thought of Christ, shouldn't we be able to do the same? Can you imagine what a loosing it would bring to the Body of Christ, if men and women were able to speak out boldly in favor of their King? I would love to hear people speak of Jesus in restaurants and shops in my hometown. Wouldn't that be a blessing?

Can you imagine? We're down at Clanton's - it's Wednesday just before the cattle auction - we've ordered up a couple of chicken-fried steak specials and the waitress brings them to the table - One of us says, "Hey, Let’s bless the food." Hats come off and a prayer is said, then somebody says "I don't see any point in that" and the question just pops out, "Well, what do you think of Christ?"

"It's personal," he says.

"That's why I'm personally asking you," says the other.

"I don't know, what do you think?"
Now, this is where all heaven is looking over the banister to see what's coming next, and let me tell you I would love to be right in the big fat middle of it! Cause if you ask me what I think of Christ, I'm going to tell you what I know.

I'm going to tell you He's the son of God, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords! I'm going to tell you He's the Prince of Peace, the Rose of Sharon, the Lilly of the Valley, the Bright Morning Star, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. He's the Lamb of God slain before the foundation of the World. I'm going to tell you that He's the Alpha and the Omega the beginning and the end and I'm gonna tell you that He is the Messiah and HE IS COMING AGAIN!

And then I'm going to tell you this - Jesus is the only begotten Son of God! He's the one who healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, raised the dead. He opened blind eyes, unstopped deaf ears and caused the lame to leap for joy! He walked on water, fed the multitudes,- why even the wind and sea obeyed Him - Truly He is the Son of God!

Now most of the people in that restaurant would believe everything I've said up to that point, but the next part is where things might get a little thin. Because I'd say, if you believe that Jesus is who He said He is and you believe what I've said about Him then I ask you, Shouldn't you obey Him?

Folks, that's enough of my little imaginary story. The truth is, Jesus' question puts it to each one of us. If you think He's the Son of God, you should obey Him. You Should study His words and you should do what He says. Am I right? I know I'm right and so do you!

Some of you who have read this little piece, don't so much as pray over your food. You don't say diddly about Jesus at work, school or anyplace else. The fact is, for many of you, it's all locked up inside you. It shouldn't be and it doesn't have to be. Hey, whose side are you on? If you're on the Lord's side then don't be ashamed of it. Some people say, "I'm on the Lords' side but I 'm so ashamed of my sin and all, I just have to stay quiet." Hogwash! Repent! The only one who wants you to stay quiet is the devil! Start obeying Jesus today and stand up and be counted as one of the redeemed!
What think ye of Christ? You say. If you say He's the King then serve Him. If you say He is the Lord then obey Him. If you say He's the Master then follow Him. But do it now while it's your choice. The Bible teaches that there's coming a day when "…every knee should bow, …and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:10-11). But listen, the Great White Throne Judgment is not the place to start your prayer life. Start Today!