A few years ago there was a phrase that was popularized by the TV game show, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” It has become a cultural catch phrase.
As you may remember, Regis Philbin would ask a contestant a question. The correct answer was worth a lot of money. The question would have a potential answer of “A”, “B”, “C”, or “D”. The contestant would pick “B” and Regis would ask, “Is that your final answer?”
Today you can hear that phrase used in many different contexts. “Do you want French fries or baked potato?”--“Is that your final answer?”
Apparently Americans grew to like the phrase. It implied opportunity to change your mind or have a second chance at a question. However, the time comes when the contestant has to give a final answer.
In Matthew 16 we’re told that Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” The disciples replied, “Some say that you’re Elijah. Others say that you’re Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” as if to ask, “Is that your final answer?”
Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Who do you say Jesus is? To say that Jesus is the Christ is to say, “Jesus is the anointed Messiah of God who alone can save me from my sins.” To say that Jesus is the Messiah is to say that there is none other who you will follow with all the allegiance of your heart. If Jesus doesn’t have the allegiance of your heart then something else or someone else does.
What’s your final answer?