In this post, we’re going to be looking at reflectors in the life of Jesus and what He did with those reflectors.

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ But what about you? He asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah for this was not revealed to you by man but my father in heaven.”
~ Matthew 16:13-17

Did you notice the various reflections that were beamed back at Jesus?

• John the Baptist,
• Elijah,
• one of the prophets and
• Jeremiah.

And when you go through the gospel accounts of the life of Jesus you actually discover more.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Nevertheless, during His earthly ministry, his mind was bombarded daily with various reflections beamed on Him from everywhere:

• Friend of prostitutes.
• Glutton.
• Samaritan.
• Demon-possessed.
• Non-entity.
• Illegitimate child.

At some point in Jesus’ life, He was called a friend of prostitutes by the Pharisees and religious leaders of His day. Do you know why He was called a friend of prostitutes? There was definitely a reason for that. You don’t call someone a friend of prostitutes for nothing. I imagine that Jesus Christ was frequently seen in the neighborhood of the prostitues. Think about it: Why would you refer to someone as a friend of prostitutes?

You see, people are going to try to define you by the things around you. I’m telling you so you will be careful. It’s okay if they call you friend of prostitutes as long as you don’t call yourself a friend of prostitutes.

Jesus never accepted any of the definitions of His identity beamed back to Him by the multiple reflectors that plagued his life. He was sure of His true identity. He took care not to allow others’ perception of Him alter the way He saw Himself. He knew who he was. He knew He was sent from the Father and did not need another’s definition of His identity. He quickly affirmed Peter’s revelation of His identity because that definition came from the Father who had sent Him.