In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus asks the twelve apostles, “Who do people say that I am?” After they respond with “John the Baptist,” "Elijah," “Jeremiah,” He then asks them, “But who do you say that I am?” (emphasis added; see Matthew 16:13-15)
When I imagine this scene unfolding, I see vulnerability in Jesus’ eyes, and I hear hopeful courage in His voice. The question is so raw and relatable. It presses upon our hearts and reaches us at the core. Because it is a question all of us secretly want to ask those closest to us: Who am I to you? What do you really think of me? Am I good enough? Am I really loved and cherished by you?
This moment reveals Jesus’ humanity and His Heart’s desire for intimacy with His closest friends.
Our Turn to Respond
If Jesus were to ask us this question, how would we respond?
Who do I say that He is? Who is He to me?
Do we know without a doubt, as Saint Peter proclaims just a few verses later, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16)?
This Lent, we are invited to prayerfully and intimately encounter Jesus as He journeys to the Cross. Along the way, we will come to know Him more deeply—not only as we reflect on Who we say that He is, but as we discover Who He says He is in Sacred Scripture through seven powerful “I Am” statements.
Written by Debra Herbeck, Who Do You Say That I Am? is a Lenten devotional rooted in the Gospel of John. It centers on the seven “I Am” statements spoken by Jesus—words that reveal not only His identity, but His deep desire to be known personally by each of us.
Meeting Jesus Through the “I Am” Statements
When Jesus says, “I Am,” He is doing far more than offering a metaphor or teaching a lesson. He is revealing Himself as the fulfillment of God’s promises: the Light that dispels darkness, the Shepherd Who lays down His life for His sheep, the Bread that satisfies.
Each week of Lent focuses on one of these sacred declarations:
- I am the Light of the World
- I am the Gate for the Sheep
- I am the Good Shepherd
- I am the True Vine
- I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life
- I am the Bread of Life
As Holy Week gives way to Easter, we are drawn into the ultimate proclamation: I am the Resurrection and the Life.
Through these statements, Jesus gently asks each of us a deeply personal question: Who do you say that I am? This devotional invites us to respond—not with quick or surface-level answers, but with a listening heart and complete honesty. Because through this devotional Jesus “wants to reveal to you Who He is and Who He wants to be for you” (Herbeck).
How To Use This Devotional
Who Do You Say That I Am? is designed to engage both heart and mind, drawing us into Scripture in a prayerful, reflective way. Each week includes brief teachings, personal stories, Scripture meditations, and questions for reflection. The cadence of our Lenten weeks will look like this:
- Sunday // Lectio divina to encounter Jesus in Scripture
- Monday // Teaching on the “I Am” statement for the week
- Tuesday // Journal prompt to engage with Jesus as our Messiah
- Wednesday // A story of Jesus revealing His identity through the “I Am” statement
- Thursday // Visio divina, or divine seeing, with paintings by Henry Ossawa Tanner
- Friday // Reflection on journeying with Jesus to Jerusalem
- Saturday // Invitation to prepare for Sabbath rest
Together, these elements create space for the Holy Spirit to speak—to comfort, challenge, reveal, and renew.
A Devotional Designed for Any Season of Life
This devotional is intentionally flexible, allowing us to enter into Lent in a way that fits our season of life.
- Weekly Rhythm // The consistent cadence helps form a holy habit of daily prayer.
- Daily Prayer // Intentionally spending time with Jesus anchors our day in His Word and His promises, drawing us into deeper relationship with Him.
- Journal Freely // The journal prompts are not meant to be rushed. But with honest, thoughtful responses, God will meet us exactly where we are.
- Pray with Images // Visio divina invites us to linger—allowing Christ to speak through what we see as well as what we read.
- Group or Personal Use // This devotional can be used individually or within a small group, Bible study, or parish ministry.
There is no “right way” to move through this devotional—only the invitation to show up and remain close to Jesus this Lent.
More Lenten Opportunities
When you purchase the Who Do You Say That I Am? devotional for women, you will also receive a free leader guide to use with a small group, as well as links to the member community, podcast episodes, and more. You will also receive an invitation to the Lent Gathering on Wednesday, March 25, at 8 p.m. ET.
Blessed Is She is also offering a devotional book for children written by Olivia Spears and Stations of the Cross prayer cards, perfect for personal prayer or to display at home during Lent.
A Journey Toward the Cross—and Beyond
As Lent unfolds, Who Do You Say That I Am? leads us steadily toward the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. We come to see that the One Who feeds us, guides us, and abides with us is also the One Who conquers sin and death.
Easter does not mark the end of the journey, but its fulfillment. Jesus’ final “I Am” declaration—the Resurrection and the Life—reminds us that everything He has revealed about Himself is true, even in our suffering, even in our waiting.
This Lent, may we encounter Jesus anew. May we hear His voice more clearly. And may our hearts be strengthened as we answer His heartfelt question—not just with words, but with our lives: Who do you say that I am?
Sarah Damm is the blog manager and a writer for Blessed Is She. She also is a frequent contributor to other faith-based platforms. Residing in Minnesota with her husband and six children, Sarah was a stay-at-home mom for 21 years, until she returned to the workforce in 2023. Sarah enjoys attending her kids' volleyball, football, basketball, or baseball games (depending on the season). She loves her faith, coffee, walks with her husband, and good books. Read Sarah's posts here. You can find out more about her here.
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