Who do you say that I am?
Scripture reading for October 9th: Matthew 16-19
The Pharisees and Sadducees were two groups of religious people that were in conflict with Jesus. They often came to Jesus to test Him or discredit Him in the eyes of the people. (Matthew 16:1-4) One day, they asked Jesus for a sign from heaven to confirm that He was Messiah. Jesus had just fed the 5000 with the loaves and fishes and had been doing many other miracles. (Matthew 14:16-21) He had offended the Pharisees earlier by warning the people about their hypocrisy. He called them blind guides who would lead their followers into a pit! (Matthew 15:12-14)
Jesus told them that a wicked and adulterous generation would seek a sign. They would only be given the sign of Jonah, the prophet. He then warned his followers to watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees. They didn’t understand. Jesus explained that the yeast was their teaching that would lead them and others away from the truth.
Next they traveled to Caesarea Philippi at the mouth of the Jordan River near Mount Herman. There Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16:13) They told him various answers that were common among the people. Jesus then asked them the most important question, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15) Simon Peter immediately answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) Jesus commended him for his answer. The Father had revealed this truth to him!
How have you answered Jesus’ question? Is He someone who must show you one more “sign” before you will believe? Are you skeptical that He is the Son of God? Do you just feel that He is a prophet sent from God or someone famous who came back from the dead? Do people’s opinions shape your thoughts on Jesus Christ? All of these responses were present when Jesus walked the earth and was doing miraculous signs. Revelation comes when we are humble and teachable enough to believe. Faith is the key ingredient, and that is a gift from God! (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Jesus promised to build His church and told them that the gates of hell would not prevail against it . The “rock” was Peter’s confession of who Christ was, not Peter himself. Jesus is still building His church on that rock! It is the only secure foundation for eternal life!
0 thoughts on “Who do you say that I am?”